Upon his arrival back in Kansas City, Sporting KC and USMNT midfielder Graham Zusi participated in a conference call with local and national media. Zusi discussed his participation in the recent US qualifiers as well as his goal that kept Mexico alive in World Cup qualifying. Read excerpts from the conference call below:
At what point did you realize what your goal against Mexico meant?
"As soon as the ball went in, the stadium went absolutely quiet. It was kind of an eerie feeling. You could see on the players faces and the fact that you could hear a pin drop in the stadium, that Panama’s hopes were diminished."
When did you find out what the goal meant to Mexico?
"We learned after the game, in the locker room, what had gone down. I have gotten hundreds of nice messages from Mexican supporters through Twitter. It’s pretty funny how this all panned out. They are such a rival for us and to see them so thankful of the U.S. team and the players ... it’s just funny."
On the USA's next reception at Azteca Stadium
"They might be thankful initially, but I imagine once the game starts, it will be the typical rivalry."
What did the goal mean to you?
"A lot of people have been saying, 'Why were you people pushing so hard to get an equalizer and a winner?' No where in our minds were we thinking about other teams in the Hex and what the circumstances were to get them through. We were out there last night to get a result and to get a win and we were going to do whatever it took to do that. We found ourselves down late against Panama and I thought we showed quite a bit of character to get back into the match."
On his current form
"I feel good about the way I’m playing. Each goal has done quite a bit for my confidence. I really hope that I can continue the form that I’m in and help it propel me to new levels. The game of soccer is a lot about confidence and getting two goals in consecutive games does wonders for it."
On the attention of his goal being about Mexico's qualification
"I thoroughly understand where the attention has gone to. That game, in terms of qualifying, didn’t mean anything for us, but it meant life or death for another nation. I certainly understand the excitement for them and I expected it to be all about that and not really about the goal or who scored it."
On getting to his current place with the USMNT
"It’s certainly been a whirlwind. It’s funny to think that not too long ago, I was a fan like anyone else. But I think that my journey has shown what the hard work and fight to get to that level can do.
"About a year-and-a-half ago, my name wasn’t even mentioned to be called up. I got that one chance and I think the fact that I was able to take that chance and do well with it, I made a statement for myself and made it tough for the coaches to not bring me back. It's a lesson for everyone else that it’s possible."
On if the US is the top team in CONCACAF
"I feel at the moment, that the US is the top team in CONCACAF. I think that has been proven through our record in the Hex and how we are playing at the moment."
On if he expects a monument at Azteca Stadium
"I would be very surprised if that happened. I would not be opposed to it and I think that would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I think that would be pretty funny if that did happen, but I don’t expect it to. I think people are just very excited for this moment."
On the celebration from the Mexican announcers
"I think it’s great. I was able to see the broadcast of the Mexican announcers and the way that they celebrated that goal ... it gave me chills. To see the reaction from them, from an American goal and for them to celebrate it like it was their own, it was a special feeling. It made me feel good."
On the current Mexican team
"I think Mexico has a tremendous amount of skill. Their potential is very high. I think right now, they have been given a second chance and I think that, for them, it looks like a new beginning. It's a fresh start for them, and they can really do what they want with it.
"If they can change their results of late, and qualify for the World Cup, they can put all these tough results behind them and just focus on preparing for the World Cup. It could bring a whole new life to the team. It’s certainly a team that is good enough to compete with other great teams."