Read the column here.

There were a couple of Aguirre quotes left over that didn't get into the column for space reasons.

The first concerns the infamous incident against Panama in the Gold Cup where Aguirre actually enters the field of play in an effort to influence the game.

The incident is here if you haven't seen it:

And here's Aguirre's rationale for his actions:

"When I lifted up my foot it was just an impulse.

Proof of the massive interest in the USA vs Mexico World Cup qualifier as one million visits were logged on www.aztecadeportes.com for their webcast of the match.

Even Mexican president Felipe Calderon followed the match online while in flight from Mexico to Colombia for an official state visit.

An absolute gem of a pass by Landon Donovan that splits the defense and Charlie Davis superb finish. It was just the sort of start the US needed. But it was shortlived. A blistering strike by Ismael Castro levels the score. You can see how much open space was given up by Bocanegra and Onyewu.

Javier Aguirre almost never singles out players for praise. But he broke that rule when El Tri returned home yesterday. He called Giovani Dos Santos and Carlos Vela the foundation of Mexico's future footballing aspirations.

"For their age, their time, for the situation they found themselves in, they performed brilliantly at such a young age.

Here it is. The match every one wanted. Another chapter in the historiography of the fiercest rivalry in the Concacaf region.

It has sharpened so much because of the US domination of Mexico in recent years. So there are stakes a plenty for both teams. But at this stage, a Gold Cup win means much more to El Tri than it means to the US.

Without kicking a ball Thursday night thanks to the chaotic Mexico-Panama game.

Check out the "action" here including the stupidity of Mexican Coach Javier Aguirre at the end of the highlights:

Canada also went through as did Guadeloupe, which beat Nicaragua 2-0 in the first game of the night.