CONCACAF WCQ Hexagonal - General Discussion

[TexasTerror]

And it's announced...

At Stake: Top three straight to the World Cup Finals. The fourth-placed team will advance to play a home-and-home series with the CONMEBOL's (South America) fifth-placed team for a possible fourth berth for CONCACAF.

Teams: Costa Rice, Honduras, El Salvador, Trinidad & Tobago, USA and Mexico.

The schedule (home team listed first):

WEDNESDAY., FEB. 11
Costa Rica vs. Honduras
El Salvador vs. Trinidad and Tobago
USA vs. Mexico (site TBD)

SATURDAY, MARCH 28
Mexico vs. Costa Rica
Trinidad and Tobago vs. Honduras
El Salvador vs. USA

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
Costa Rica vs. El Salvador
USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago (site TBD)
Honduras vs. Mexico

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
Costa Rica vs. USA (Moved from June 10 to accommodate U.S.'s participation in Confederations Cup).

SATURDAY, JUNE 6
Trinidad and Tobago vs. Costa Rica
El Salvador vs. Mexico
USA vs. Honduras (site TBD)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
Mexico vs. Trinidad and Tobago
Honduras vs. El Salvador

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12
Honduras vs. Costa Rica
Trinidad and Tobago vs. El Salvador
Mexico vs. USA

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5
Costa Rica vs. Mexico
Honduras vs. Trinidad and Tobago
USA vs. El Salvador (site TBD)

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9
El Salvador vs. Costa Rica
Trinidad and Tobago vs. USA
Mexico vs. Honduras

SATURDAY, OCT. 10
Costa Rica vs. Trinidad and Tobago
Mexico vs. El Salvador
Honduras vs. USA


WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14
USA vs. Costa Rica (site TBD)
Trinidad and Tobago vs. Mexico
El Salvador vs. Honduras

[TexasTerror]

June is going to be a busy stretch for the US MNT and will really take a lot of good plyers away from the MLS for a nice stretch. Good thing the WCQ takes July off with no game until Aug 12 when the US takes on Mexico in Azteca.

June 3 - USA @ Costa Rica (WCQ)
June 6 - Honduras @ USA (WCQ)
June 15 - USA vs Italy (CC)
June 18 - USA vs Brazil (CC)
June 21 - USA vs Eygpt (CC)
June 24/25 - Semifinals (CC)
June 28 - Finals/Third Place (CC)

Not sure about you guys, but I hope we play our top side in the Confederations Cup. It's too important to the WCQ cycle that the US gets these games in against strong competition. Brazil, Italy and Egypt are three matches that will make good prep.

And getting Mexico first? Let's see if we can already distance ourself against El Tri from the get go!

[TheValleyRaider]

WEDNESDAY., FEB. 11
Costa Rica vs. Honduras
El Salvador vs. Trinidad and Tobago
USA vs. Mexico (site TBD)

I hope it's Columbus xcoolx

Nice and cold xthumbsupx

[TexasTerror]

I hope it's Columbus xcoolx

Has got to be a venue up "north". We need to take advantage of the elements.

Where else besides Columbus would be good? What's Chicago's Hispanic population? What about Boston? Can't think right now (FCS playoff mindset).

[ISUMatt]

Has got to be a venue up "north". We need to take advantage of the elements.

Where else besides Columbus would be good? What's Chicago's Hispanic population? What about Boston? Can't think right now (FCS playoff mindset).

Plenty of hispanics in Chicago!!!

[TheValleyRaider]

Has got to be a venue up "north". We need to take advantage of the elements.

Where else besides Columbus would be good? What's Chicago's Hispanic population? What about Boston?

Per Wikipedia:

Columbus: 2.46%

Chicago: 26.03%

Boston (well, Foxboro, but yeah): 14%

Cleveland, maybe?: 7.26%

These are all numbers for "Hispanic/Latino", which is obviously a much wider net to cast than simply "Mexican"

Columbus is about the same size as Boston, both smaller than Chicago, but Boston is also relatively close to NY. Cleveland is smaller than both. Granted, Mexican fans will travel to just about anywhere to see their team, but I want it nice and cold (and as far a trip as possible)

[blur2005]

Per Wikipedia:

Columbus: 2.46%

Chicago: 26.03%

Boston (well, Foxboro, but yeah): 14%

Cleveland, maybe?: 7.26%

These are all numbers for "Hispanic/Latino", which is obviously a much wider net to cast than simply "Mexican"

Columbus is about the same size as Boston, both smaller than Chicago, but Boston is also relatively close to NY. Cleveland is smaller than both. Granted, Mexican fans will travel to just about anywhere to see their team, but I want it nice and cold (and as far a trip as possible)
Bummer there's no good place in Alaska for a game. Then again, that might be too cold even for our guys.

[I Bleed Purple]

Rio Tinto stadium?

[Appstate29]

I know I should feel bad for saying this, but we should have border patrol at this game, and knock out two birds with one stone.

[Dane96]

Mexico would be a bad idea in Foxborough-- All though I would love to see it come locally to me..you would have well over 40k Mexican fans there.

[appmaj]

Ready for these matches to get underway!

Who has been to a US match?
I really want to but never seem to be ale to work it out.

[MSUfan2010]

Ready for these matches to get underway!

Who has been to a US match?
I really want to but never seem to be ale to work it out.

Never been to a Senior Team game but my family went to Nashville on Spring Break last spring to see the Olympic Qualifying games. Really cool even just for that level

[DinoDex200]

I hope it's Columbus xcoolx

Nice and cold xthumbsupx

2-0 vs. Mexico in C-Bus...why mess with what works?

I just hope Bradley realizes how well Altidore and Cooper played together in the Guatemala match, and gives 'em a call up.

I likely see a Vet/Youngster pairing up top in this one, just because Mexico plays so dirty, and you need calming influences all through the lineup...

So, likely it's Cooper/Ching or Altidore/Ching...just no Johnson, please!

[I Bleed Purple]

Rio Tinto stadium?

Looks like I was right. Rio Tinto it is.

http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/news/story?id=756337&s=mundial&type=story

[slycat]

Good call. RSL has built a great new stadium.

[MSUfan2010]

USA/Mexico game on 2/11/2009 has been moved to Columbus!!! That is only 11 hours and 640 miles from my house. My brother and I and some of his friends are going to skip school and make the trip!

[OhioHen]

USA/Mexico game on 2/11/2009 has been moved to Columbus!!! That is only 11 hours and 640 miles from my house. My brother and I and some of his friends are going to skip school and make the trip!

Less than two hours for me. Looks like I'm in the market for tickets.

[TexasTerror]

Camp call-ups for pre-Mexico training...

U.S. Men’s National Team Roster By Position
GOALKEEPERS (3): Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew), Matt Pickens (Colorado Rapids)
DEFENDERS (5): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Ugo Ihemelu (Colorado Rapids), Chris Wingert (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Brian Carroll (Columbus Crew), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Jack Jewsbury (Kansas City Wizards), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire)
FORWARDS (4): Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire)

http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_12419081.html

[tribe_pride]

I assume he is going to call the European players over in about a week or so because that's not going to get it done against Mexico.

[TexasTerror]

I assume he is going to call the European players over in about a week or so because that's not going to get it done against Mexico.

No question there -- Bradley, Donovan, Onyewu, Beasley and Co. will be called up.

Which of the three goalies that were called up is going to be our back-up in the CONCACAF Hex? Or do you think they'll stick with Guzan or Hahnemann to back-up Howard?

[TexasTerror]

Mexico has announced their roster for the US-Mexico CONCACAF Hexagonal match between the two rivals...

Roster

Goalkeepers: Oswaldo Sanchez (Santos), Guillermo Ochoa (America), Jose de Jesus Corona (Tecos)

Defenders: Juan Carlos Valenzuela (America), Julio Cesar Dominguez (Cruz Azul), Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart, Germany), Rafael Marquez (Barcelona, Spain), Aaron Galindo (Guadalajara), Leobardo Lopez (Pachuca)

Midfielders: Fausto Pinto (Cruz Azul), Pavel Pardo (America), Leandro Augusto (Pumas), Luis Perez (Monterrey), Israel Martinez (San Luis), Antonio Naelson (Toluca)

Forwards: Alberto Medina (Guadalajara), Cesar Villaluz (Cruz Azul), Giovani Dos Santos (Tottenham, England), Matias Vuoso (Santos), Carlos Ochoa (Guadalajara), Nery Castillo (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine), Guillermo Franco (Villarreal, Spain), Omar Bravo (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain)

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=615266&sec=world&cc=5901

[89Hen]

Mexico has announced their roster for the US-Mexico CONCACAF Hexagonal match between the two rivals...

Sanchez , Ochoa, Corona, Valenzuela, Dominguez, Salcido, Osorio, Marquez, Galindo, Lopez, Pinto, Pardo, Augusto, Perez, Martinez, Naelson, Medina, Villaluz, Santos, Vuoso, Ochoa, Castillo, Franco, Bravo
Really makes you realize how diverse the US is. Not a single non-Hispanic on Mexico's roster. xeyebrowx

[appmaj]

Really makes you realize how diverse the US is. Not a single non-Hispanic on Mexico's roster. xeyebrowx

True...
It would be nice if Michael Orozco got a call up for this match. He plays in the Mexican League against a bunch of these guys. You know he would like to get a shot in this match.

[TexasTerror]

Here's the US roster...Charlie Davies and Marvell Wynne will get their second and first cap respectively if they see duty...Robbie Rogers is also a first-timer...

GOALKEEPERS (2): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa: 4/3 SO), Tim Howard (Everton FC: 7/5 SO)

DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes: 16/2), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA, 1/0), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland: 3/0), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew: 14/1), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege: 12/1), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock: 7/0), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC: 0/0)

MIDFIELDERS (6): DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers: 21/6), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach: 6/2), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo: 3/0), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA: 6/0), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew: 0/0), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca: 1/0)

FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (Xerez C.D.: 3/1), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo: 12/6), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF: 1/1) Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC: 12/4), Landon Donovan (Bayern Munich: 25/9)

[dgreco]

Does the US bring out the Red Jerseys?

They are advertising on http://www.ussoccer.com/ for a redout, and have this ad/fancard for the gam. (http://www.nike.com/nikefootball/us/en_US/flash_modules/countdown_clock/fan_card.pdf)

[bandl]

Here's the US roster...Charlie Davies and Marvell Wynne will get their second and first cap respectively if they see duty...Robbie Rogers is also a first-timer...

GOALKEEPERS (2): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa: 4/3 SO), Tim Howard (Everton FC: 7/5 SO)

DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes: 16/2), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA, 1/0), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland: 3/0), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew: 14/1), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege: 12/1), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock: 7/0), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC: 0/0)

MIDFIELDERS (6): DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers: 21/6), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach: 6/2), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo: 3/0), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA: 6/0), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew: 0/0), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca: 1/0)

FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (Xerez C.D.: 3/1), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo: 12/6), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF: 1/1) Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC: 12/4), Landon Donovan (Bayern Munich: 25/9)

Where's Adu? xeyebrowx
I'd much rather give Adu the international experience than Donovan, since he is still pretty green at this level

[TexasTerror]

This is too important a match to sit out Donovan...you go with your best 18 when we get into WCQ until your spot is clinched. This is the most important match too, a home date against Mexico. If you can get three points at home against the Tri Colores, this is very good.

[bandl]

This is too important a match to sit out Donovan...you go with your best 18 when we get into WCQ until your spot is clinched. This is the most important match too, a home date against Mexico. If you can get three points at home against the Tri Colores, this is very good.

Then substitute Adu for Ching or Davies. He is just as capable, if not more, of making something happen as those two.

And the U.S. has easily outscored Mexico this decade, so it's not like they are hurting for offensive charge against them. So why not include a 19-year old who should be a part of the U.S. team for years to come.

Leave Donavon in so that he can get his glory now (he's the A-Rod of 'clutch' when it comes to the World Cup) and rack up his stats. But the future of soccer isn't with Donavon, it should be with Adu, Altidore and the likes.

[UNHWildCats]

I gotta go with Terror on this one... Gotta go with known experience.

Lets assume there was a baseball game at the same level as this, who would you want at 3rd base for Team USA..... errr nevermind the scenerio I was about to layout was very foolish... of course you go with Longoria....

OK I'm with bandl on this one :)

[bandl]

I gotta go with Terror on this one... Gotta go with known experience.

Lets assume there was a baseball game at the same level as this, who would you want at 3rd base for Team USA..... errr nevermind the scenerio I was about to layout was very foolish... of course you go with Longoria....

OK I'm with bandl on this one :)

I'd go with both if I really had to choose...let Donovan stack his stats in WCQ matches and let Adu gain some much needed international experience. He is only 19 years old after all...he may not be doing much in Monaco right now (about the same that Beasley has done with the Rangers, BTW), but that doesn't mean he doesn't have some great potential. xpeacex

Any way it works out though, I don't think that the U.S. will have any trouble scoring even without Donovan...

There's no lack of goal-scoring chances when it comes to playing Mexico! xlolx

[appmaj]

Donovan scored in the last US v. mexico match........

[bandl]

Donovan scored in the last US v. mexico match........

Unless I'm forgetting a match, Onweyu (sp?) and Altidore scored in a friendly back in 2008.... xconfusedx

He did score in the gold cup final in 2007 though (on a penalty kick)...xpeacex
That was the first time he scored against them in 5 years prior.

[bandl]

Good news (at least for me)...

Eric Wynalda will NOT be commentating for this game. xthumbsupx

I loathe him.

I was not aware that he left ESPN prior to the 2008 season. I was wondering why I hadn't heard his annoying commentary in a while... xcoolx

[appmaj]

Unless I'm forgetting a match, Onweyu (sp?) and Altidore scored in a friendly back in 2008.... xconfusedx

He did score in the gold cup final in 2007 though (on a penalty kick)...xpeacex
That was the first time he scored against them in 5 years prior.

I forgot about the 2-2 friendly.



Good news (at least for me)...

Eric Wynalda will NOT be commentating for this game. xthumbsupx

I loathe him.

I was not aware that he left ESPN prior to the 2008 season. I was wondering why I hadn't heard his annoying commentary in a while... xcoolx


Agreed 100%. That is great news.

[TexasTerror]

Then substitute Adu for Ching or Davies. He is just as capable, if not more, of making something happen as those two.

Adu over Ching? Ching has been the one getting all the love from ESPN this week for being the ultimate role player on this team -- really getting the offense going.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=616264&sec=us&root=us&cc=5901


And the U.S. has easily outscored Mexico this decade, so it's not like they are hurting for offensive charge against them. So why not include a 19-year old who should be a part of the U.S. team for years to come.

Years to come...this is about NOW. The World Cup cycle truly begins on Wednesday night. It's not about years to come, it's about winning now and the US side is capable of doing so in 2010!

[bandl]

Adu over Ching? Ching has been the one getting all the love from ESPN this week for being the ultimate role player on this team -- really getting the offense going.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=616264&sec=us&root=us&cc=5901



Years to come...this is about NOW. The World Cup cycle truly begins on Wednesday night. It's not about years to come, it's about winning now and the US side is capable of doing so in 2010!

ESPN? Seriously? xconfusedx

The US side is not capable of doing anything in right now, other than beat up on CONCACAF squads and 2nd team friendlies. They won't fair any better in 2010 with their current squad.

[andy7171]

COMMUNISTS!!!!

[TexasTerror]

The US side is not capable of doing anything in right now, other than beat up on CONCACAF squads and 2nd team friendlies. They won't fair any better in 2010 with their current squad.

Their second-team beat Sweden's second-team. ;)

We're heading in the right direction. This year will tell us plenty with the Confederations Cup, Gold Cup and WCQ...

[bandl]

Their second-team beat Sweden's second-team. ;)

We're heading in the right direction. This year will tell us plenty with the Confederations Cup, Gold Cup and WCQ...

I agree they are heading in the right direction....just too slowly. xpeacex And leaving off a promising youngin' is not a good indication of what Bradley sees the U.S. team doing in the long run.... xpeacex

Sheesh, you'd almost think I have a mancrush on Adu, wouldn't you? xoopsx xlolx

[OxSoxUNH05]

Does the US bring out the Red Jerseys?

They are advertising on http://www.ussoccer.com/ for a redout, and have this ad/fancard for the gam. (http://www.nike.com/nikefootball/us/en_US/flash_modules/countdown_clock/fan_card.pdf)


It has become a tradition for "Sam's Army" supporters of the USA team to wear red to the matches, they have been since atleast 2002. Myself sat with them in some Gold Cup matches in foxboro.

Good to see it advertised though.
Hope the States beat the crap out of Mexico and then Win at Azteca!

[blur2005]

Adu should be on the squad but not at the expense of Donovan. That's insane. Donovan is the greatest American player ever and he's just 26. Adu hasn't been playing very much at AS Monaco which is probably why he wasn't called as Bradley is more interested in not interrupting Adu's schedule as he tries to win more playing time on the Monaco first squad.

[appmaj]

Rain & 45 degrees in Columbus tonight; Should help the US

[bandl]

Rain & 45 degrees in Columbus tonight; Should help the US

Mexicans melt in cold water. It's the oddest phenomenon.

[appmaj]

Mexicans melt in cold water. It's the oddest phenomenon.

I am just really hoping we can put them down early. A 3-0 win would do wonders.

[TexasTerror]

Costa Rica 2-0 Honduras
USA 2-0 Mexico
El Salvador 2-2 Trinidad & Tobago

USA 1-0, 3 pt
Costa Rica 1-0, 3 pt
El Salvador 0-0-1, 1 pt
Trinidad & Tobago 0-0-1, 1 pt
Honduras 0-1, 0 pt
Mexico 0-1, 0 pt

[OhioHen]

T&T was up two early in the second half at El Salvador. A road victory would have been huge for the islanders.

[TexasTerror]

They announced home locations yesterday for the rest of the hex...


CHICAGO (Feb. 11, 2008) — The U.S. Men’s National Team will play their last three final round home FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in Chicago, Salt Lake and Washington, D.C. The U.S. will host Honduras on June 6 at Soldier Field, and then face El Salvador at Rio Tinto Stadium on Sept. 5 in Salt Lake. The team closes out the final round of qualifying against Costa Rica on Oct. 14 at historic RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Ticket and television information will be available in the near future.

http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_12615681.html

[whitey]

Mexican assistant coach slaps Frankie Hejduk after the game. Link with video. (http://theoffsiderules.blogspot.com/...y-mexican.html)

What will FIFA do? I'm guessing nothing.

[TexasTerror]

El Salvador on tap this weekend...

Here's the roster:

ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa: 4/3 SO), Tim Howard (Everton: 8/6 SO), Marcus Hahnemann (Reading: 1/1 SO)
DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes: 17/2), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland: 3/0), Jay DeMerit (Watford: 1/0), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew: 15/1), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege: 13/1), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock: 8/0), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United: 2/0)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Freddy Adu (AS Monaco: 5/1), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers: 22/6), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach: 7/4), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers: 3/0), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA: 7/0), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids: 12/0), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca: 2/0)
FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (Xerez C.D.: 4/1), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo: 13/6), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC: 13/4), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy: 26/9), Eddie Johnson (Cardiff City: 9/8)
*numbers indicate all-time World Cup Qualifying caps/goals

[TexasTerror]

Question...

If Mexico loses at home to Costa Rica or on the road at Honduras here in their next two games - is that the end of Sven as the head of the Mexican national team? If he loses to Costa Rica, does he even make it to Honduras?

[TexasTerror]

Honduras 1-1 T&T
Mexico 2-0 Costa Rica

Heading into tonight's US-El Salvador match...without getting specific with goal counts, because it honestly does not matter just yet...

USA 1-0, 3 pt
Mexico 1-1, 3 pt
Costa Rica 1-1, 3 pt
Trinidad & Tobago 0-0-2, 2 pt
Honduras 0-1-1, 1 pt
El Salvador 0-0-1, 1 pt

[TexasTerror]

El Salvador leads 1-0 in the 2nd - a goal at the 15' mark for Eliseo Quintanilla provides the current deficit.

We're in the 64' of play.

[TexasTerror]

US is threatening. They've had several good chances in the last minute or two...

Need to finish - at least get a tie on the road. Commentators are saying Landon Donovan has not gotten much touches in this last bit of clock.

[TexasTerror]

2-0.

El Salvador just got another goal. Man, oh man.

Tim Howard - we miss you!

[TexasTerror]

ALTIDORE! GOAL!

El Salvador 2-1, got about 17' to equal the scoring. HUGE goal!

[TexasTerror]

As the commentator said - "The Oscars and Emmys are coming out tonight in San Salvador".

So much flopping, it's ridiculous. Stoppage time needs to be 7-8 mins, between the two goals, subs, flopping and cards.

[TexasTerror]

HEJDUK!

SET PIECE - CORNER KICK GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!

2-2! U-S-A! U-S-A!

We'll take a tie - but stay aggressive, could get the 'W'!

[TexasTerror]

Seven minutes of stoppage time - glad the officials are playing things smart. Most I've seen in a good while. The crowd is so much quieter than they were 20 minutes ago.

[TexasTerror]

USA 1-0-1, 4 pt
Mexico 1-1, 3 pt
Costa Rica 1-1, 3 pt
Trinidad & Tobago 0-0-2, 2 pt
El Salvador 0-0-2, 2 pt
Honduras 0-1-1, 1 pt

Next games...

T&T at USA
Mexico at Honduras
El Salvador at Costa Rica

Hopefully - the USA can get three points at home. The El Salvador-Costa Rica match is huge. If Costa Rica can get three points at home, that'd put them in a great position within the standings, especially since they already have a road trip to Azteca in their rear-view.

[slycat]

Tough game yesterday but El Salvador was asking to give away the game with all the diving they were doing. Crap like that ruins soccer.

[89Hen]

Talk about your good fortune... I get into bed, nothing to watch... Oh, what's this? The second half of the US-Sal match? If all soccer matches were as exciting as the second half of that game, more people would watch.

BUT, as great as the action was, that half also demonstrated everything that is WRONG and DISGUSTING with soccer. I can't think of another sport with such God awful sportsmanship and men that act like they have no bawls. A sickening display I hope I never see again. xnonono2x

[TexasTerror]

BUT, as great as the action was, that half also demonstrated everything that is WRONG and DISGUSTING with soccer. I can't think of another sport with such God awful sportsmanship and men that act like they have no bawls. A sickening display I hope I never see again. xnonono2x

Where's Carlos Ruiz when you need him? xwhistlex

[appmaj]

What happened to the idea to having more card for diving?

It should absolitely be the case especially with teams like El Salv

[OhioHen]

What happened to the idea to having more card for diving?

It should absolitely be the case especially with teams like El Salv

Another option I would prefer to see: when the "injured" player asks to come back on the pitch, the referee should ignore him for a couple minutes. Make the side pulling the BS play a man down for an extended period. Each subsequent player for the same side = longer time not being allowed back on the pitch. THAT might reduce the acting.

[slycat]

What happened to the idea to having more card for diving?

It should absolitely be the case especially with teams like El Salv

I dunno they had it well handled at the last World Cup. Then again the ref was from Mexico, a country who all but invented taking falls.

[appmaj]

I dunno they had it well handled at the last World Cup. Then again the ref was from Mexico, a country who all but invented taking falls.

Very true....

[appmaj]

T & T tomorrow night...3 more points?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I watched the USA/El Sal match too. It was really remarkable how the US battled from 2 goals down on the road in a VERY hostile environment. While Hedjuk had a horrible game overall, his game-tying goal was great: pure determination. That's what salvaged the tie; in the last 15 minutes, the US had more resolve and more focus. When El Sal went up 2-0, they just started flopping and trying to delay their way into the victory. The five minutes stretching the goalie after the second goal was particularly ridiculous.

I have to say, what made it a great game - one for the books - was the El Sal fans and ESPN's panning over the crowd. That was a hell of an event down there in Central America - and real home-field advantage. For some reason, I really liked the fans shaking the chain-link fence - very intimidating.

[slycat]

T & T tomorrow night...3 more points?

I had to think so its a home game.

[appmaj]

I had to think so its a home game.

1-0 to US

Altidore

[TexasTerror]

Darn it! Just stepped out and missed the goal...ugh!

Altidore is earning his place on the field for the US.

Howard almost put the US in a bad position early.

[TexasTerror]

1-0 at the half. Altidore goal at 13' in continues to be the lone one scored.

Anyone see Bolivia beat Argentina 6-1...?!?

[appmaj]

Natural Hat Trick for Altidore

[TexasTerror]

Honduras 1-0 Mexico after a goal at the 17' mark.

That'd make for a fun result!

Current standings with two games left tonight...

USA 2-0-1, 7 pt
Mexico 1-1, 3 pt
Costa Rica 1-1, 3 pt
Trinidad & Tobago 0-1-2, 2 pt
El Salvador 0-0-2, 2 pt
Honduras 0-1-1, 1 pt

[TexasTerror]

This day could be getting better for the US MNT...

Honduras 2-0 Mexico 57'
Costa Rica 0-0 El Salvador H

If these results play out, Costa Rica would be in second with 4 pt while Mexico and El Salvador would be at 3 pt.

[UNHWildCats]

This day could be getting better for the US MNT...

Honduras 2-0 Mexico 57'
Costa Rica 0-0 El Salvador H

If these results play out, Costa Rica would be in second with 4 pt while Mexico and El Salvador would be at 3 pt.
Wouldn't Honudurus be tied for second too?

[LeopardFan04]

Honduras just scored again...

[LeopardFan04]

Mexico scores on a penalty to cut it back to 3-1...

[TheValleyRaider]

Honduras 3-1 Mexico xeekx

Could this be the end of Sven?

USA 2-1-0 7
CRC 2-0-1 6
HON 1-1-1 4
MEX 1-2-0 3
SLV 0-2-1 2
TNT 0-2-1 2

[appmaj]

Honduras 3-1 Mexico xeekx

Could this be the end of Sven?

USA 2-1-0 7
CRC 2-0-1 6
HON 1-1-1 4
MEX 1-2-0 3
SLV 0-2-1 2
TNT 0-2-1 2

Yes, Sven is gone, he has to be; Mexico doesn't lose matches to Honduras!

[TexasTerror]

Next set of games...the MNT gets the top two teams in the table in their next two matches.

6/3
USA at CRC

6/6
MEX at SLV
HON at USA
CRC at TNT

6/10
SLV at HON
TNT at MEX

[89Hen]

Natural Hat Trick for Altidore
Not to nitpick but I don't think that's correct. At least in hockey a "natural" means all three goals in the same period. xpeacex

[89Hen]

Honduras 3-1 Mexico xeekx
Thought I saw the ticker wrong this morning. xlolx xthumbsupx xthumbsupx

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Altidore looked great for the Red, White & Blue. He's been the natural goalscorer we've been looking for; the only concern was that he seemed out of shape. Bradley clearly wanted to showcase him for European play, and it paid off handsomely. I'm a big fan of Altidore's; while I'm not a Red Bulls fan, when we was there I saw he was something truly special.

Having Ching and Altidore up front, with Donovan and Beasley on the wings, is something I think that team USA should do more often. They looked devastating (granted it was against T&T). I do wish that Bradley would play Adu more, though - I fail to see why he's sitting behind Dempsey and his son. His son is good, but he's no Adu.

Altidore's a young kid, but IMO he needs to learn how to get in the same world-class shape that Donovan and the other professionals are. If I'm Bradley, I'd be tempted to have his Spanish side loan him back to MLS so he can stay in shape.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Also, circle June 3rd on the calendar. If USA can beat Costa Rica on the road, CONCACAF will be ours to lose. Worst-case scenario after that weekend, USA is up 3 points on both CRC and HON.

Mexico and Argentina are simply in the dumps. Argentina will bounce back, but I have to think Mexico is in real danger of not qualifying for the World Cup.

[TexasTerror]

Mexico and Argentina are simply in the dumps. Argentina will bounce back, but I have to think Mexico is in real danger of not qualifying for the World Cup.

The fact the CONCACAF 4th place is going up against a team from South America this coming cycle instead of last time, when it was an Asian squad spells plenty of problems for the CONCACAF in getting a fourth team in.

[89Hen]

the only concern was that he seemed out of shape.
Really? xconfusedx

[LacesOut]

Really? xconfusedx

I know, right? Didn't he play all 90 minutes?

[appmaj]

Not to nitpick but I don't think that's correct. At least in hockey a "natural" means all three goals in the same period. xpeacex

My turn to nitpick:

http://www.answers.com/topic/natural-hat-trick

says in one game in succession

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_hat-trick

says the same but for hockey only, it is called perfect hat trick in this definition by wikipedia



Basically all this means I can't get a clear answer and I HAVE GOT to find something to do with my time at work.

[appmaj]

BTW...

I was looking at the game report and I was wondering what do you guys think about this quote from Donovan:

"It's one game, so let's not get carried away," Donovan said. "We're happy for him, but there's a lot of guys that have been doing that for a long time."


Kind of a d!ck quote IMO.

[tribe_pride]

Altidore should have had 1 more goal (how he kicked it over, I am not sure right in front of the goal) and could have had another one off of his head (good reactions by the keeper). Glad to see someone right at the net.

As for Donovan's quote, I think it was more of a Captain saying he played great today let's hope he can keep it going. Don't think he meant any insult by it.

[89Hen]

My turn to nitpick:

http://www.answers.com/topic/natural-hat-trick

says in one game in succession

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_hat-trick

says the same but for hockey only, it is called perfect hat trick in this definition by wikipedia



Basically all this means I can't get a clear answer and I HAVE GOT to find something to do with my time at work.
xlolx I will give you soccer if that's the common term, but I will say BS in hockey. A "natural" in ice hockey is all three in one period and they wouldn't have to be in succession. I've played and followed hockey since I was 4 and have never heard it any other way. Wiki's source for the ice hockey definition...


Puckmugger's list of hockey terms on epinions. xlolx

[89Hen]

I know, right? Didn't he play all 90 minutes?
It was just that the announcers kept making mention of how he played all 90 and seemed to have gas left in the tank.

[appmaj]

xlolx I will give you soccer if that's the common term, but I will say BS in hockey. A "natural" in ice hockey is all three in one period and they wouldn't have to be in succession. I've played and followed hockey since I was 4 and have never heard it any other way. Wiki's source for the ice hockey definition...

xlolx

Im not even going to pretend to know hockey terms

[OhioHen]

1-0 at the half. Altidore goal at 13' in continues to be the lone one scored.

Anyone see Bolivia beat Argentina 6-1...?!?

The TRUE hand of God smiting Maradonna?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I know, right? Didn't he play all 90 minutes?


It was just that the announcers kept making mention of how he played all 90 and seemed to have gas left in the tank.

He was not at 100% shape IMO - and said so after the game that he was tired. Yes, he had a great day, don't get me wrong. But it looked like he wasn't totally in match shape the way Donovan, Beasley, etc. were.

It makes you think what he might be able to achieve if he gets in that sort of shape. He could be scary good. Hopefully that Spanish team he's playing for got the hint.

[TexasTerror]

US Training Roster for next set of qualifiers...

Roster

GOALKEEPERS (2): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton)

DEFENDERS (9): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Danny Califf (Midtjylland), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Freddy Adu (Monaco), DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca)

FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (Xerez), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Charlie Davies (Hammarby), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

[TexasTerror]

The Costa Rica side...

Goalkeepers: Daniel Cambronero (Puntarenas), Ricardo Gonzalez (Herediano), Keilor Navas (Saprissa)

Defenders: Dario Delgado (Puntarenas), Junior Diaz (Wisla Krakow), Freddy Fernandez (Perez Zeledon), Dennis Marshall (Herediano), Gonzalo Segares (Chicago), Esteban Sirias (Liberia), Michael Umana (Ramonense), Harold Wallace (Liberia)

Midfielders: Armando Alonso (Saprissa), Cristian Bolanos (Start), Celso Borges (Fredrikstad), Pablo Brenes (Brujas), Walter Centeno (Saprissa), Esteban Granados (Cartagines), Warren Granados (Ramonense), Carlos Hernandez (Melbourne), Pablo Herrera (Alajuelense), Cristian Oviedo (Alajuelense)

Forwards: Andy Furtado (Herediano), Andy Herron (Herediano), Bryan Ruiz (Gent), Alvaro Saborio (Sion)

[tribe_pride]

Bump for 10 minutes from now.

[TexasTerror]

Completely forgot about this match! Thanks for posting...

Turning on now for the special pre-game show - let's hope the American side can get the win in Saprissa.

[tribe_pride]

I forgot about it until about 9:15 as well. Would have been mad if I had missed it.

[ISUMatt]

As I turn it on...1-0 Costa Rica

[TheValleyRaider]

CRC 2-0 USA
Halftime

Saborio 1'
Borges 12'

US has settled some after a bad start, but man oh man was it a bad start. Defense was undressed twice on the Tico goals. Beasley in particular has been having a rough night. Torres looks solid, and Altidore is showing some signs of danger. Otherwise, a pretty tough showing in the first 45. That turf is really changing the flow of the game and giving the US problems. It's bad, but both teams play on it, and they have to work around that

[TheValleyRaider]

CRC 3-1 USA
Final

Saborio 1'
Borges 12'
Herrera 69'
Donovan (pen.) 90+'

Simply put, a very poor effort. Yeah, it's a tough place to play. Yeah, Costa Rica's not that great. No excuses, they weren't in this one

US loses Bradley and Kljestan for the Honduras match on Saturday. Anything less than 3 points is not really an option

[thefortyniner]

What the hell was that?

[appmaj]

I went to sleep...awful

[OhioHen]

And Tim Howard made several spectacular saves to keep it from getting even uglier.

[89Hen]

Yeah, it's a tough place to play.
They kept saying that. Why? The pitch, other than a little firm, looked great. It's not like when they go to T&T or other places where they keep the grass 4" long intentionally. Saying a #41 beating a #14 at home isn't really an upset is the biggest bunch of BS I've ever heard. If anything, the US got more favorable calls from the ref than CR did. xnonono2x

[TexasTerror]

Current standings...

Costa Rica 3-1-0, 9 pt
USA 2-1-1, 7 pt
Honduras 1-1-1, 4 pt
Mexico 1-2, 3 pt
El Salvador 0-1-2, 2 pt
Trinidad & Tobago 0-1-2, 2pt

[thefortyniner]

They kept saying that. Why? The pitch, other than a little firm, looked great. It's not like when they go to T&T or other places where they keep the grass 4" long intentionally. Saying a #41 beating a #14 at home isn't really an upset is the biggest bunch of BS I've ever heard. If anything, the US got more favorable calls from the ref than CR did. xnonono2x

The only thing that I noticed as far as the pitch goes is that it seemed faster than a green in a drought. Every through-ball, especially in the attacking zone, was a good five to ten feet in front of the target. I'm not sure if we were just that bad, or if the pitch wasn't offering enough resistance to the ball to put it in stride with the man as it should have been.

We'll see how well we rectify the problem on the return. My birthday, in DC... I might have to road trip for this one.

[89Hen]

Current standings...

Costa Rica 3-1-0, 9 pt
USA 2-1-1, 7 pt
Honduras 1-1-1, 4 pt
Mexico 1-2, 3 pt
El Salvador 0-1-2, 2 pt
Trinidad & Tobago 0-1-2, 2pt
Can you imagine Mexico not making it. xeekx

[tribe_pride]

The only thing that I noticed as far as the pitch goes is that it seemed faster than a green in a drought. Every through-ball, especially in the attacking zone, was a good five to ten feet in front of the target. I'm not sure if we were just that bad, or if the pitch wasn't offering enough resistance to the ball to put it in stride with the man as it should have been.

We'll see how well we rectify the problem on the return. My birthday, in DC... I might have to road trip for this one.

That is what they were saying but I think anyone who watched the match will agree that the US was completely overmatched and outplayed. The field was not the reason we lost yesterday.

[EPJr]

all CRC play and noise
http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2006/06/10/mn_germany_costa_ric.jpg
1st half CRC 2:0 USMNT
2nd half:
- Bradley with yellow card out for Saturday"s game against Honduras @ Chicago (his home town)

- scores again; CRC 3:0 USMNT (same old - same old)

- penalty kick for USMNT @90:00 3:1 first time we have scored on CRC since 2000

[TheValleyRaider]

They kept saying that. Why? The pitch, other than a little firm, looked great. It's not like when they go to T&T or other places where they keep the grass 4" long intentionally.

One, the crowd is loud and right on top of the field. Two, that pitch was straight-up Astro-Turf. Not the new stuff, old school painted concrete that's about 40 years old. The ball wouldn't stay on the ground, and passes were consistantly missing their too far in front. If you're not prepared for that kind of field, it's difficult to handle given the circumstances

[OhioHen]

Can you imagine Mexico not making it. xeekx

Mexico finishing fourth might be the best thing that could happen for CONCACAF. They would have the best chance of winning a home and home with the fifth place South American side and giving CONCACAF four teams in South Africa.

[89Hen]

Mexico finishing fourth might be the best thing that could happen for CONCACAF. They would have the best chance of winning a home and home with the fifth place South American side and giving CONCACAF four teams in South Africa.
Do you really see that happening? They were lucky to be in this final round.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Am I the only one who is sick and tired of seeing Adu on the bench in favor of the coaches' son? While Bradley is a decent player, I am dying to see Kjlestian (sp), Adu and Altidore all on the field at the same time. Adu and Kjlestian made some decent chances at the end of the game when the first team blew it.

Adu, Kjlestian could form a trio that could really make a serious run in South Africa, and Bradley has one of them out of shape (Altidore, again) and the other two riding the pine. Why???? I see Kjlestian as a Ribery clone wreaking havoc on the wing while Adu - potentially the best playmaker the USA has ever had - distrubuting the ball to Altidore on the left and Donovan on the right.

Wynne and Beasley at the backs - that's Bradley's responsibility, and they sucked it big time. Beasley was housed for the first goal, and Wynne was housed on the second.

Bradley is no Bruce Arena. If he were axed, I would be a happy man.

My starting XI would be: Howard, Danny Califf, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Jonathan Spector, Dempsey, Adu, Mastroeni, Kjlestian, Altidore, Donovan.

[LacesOut]

That was gross.

I went to bed at halftime.

Hopefully they show up for Saturday nights game.

[Dane96]

Am I the only one who is sick and tired of seeing Adu on the bench in favor of the coaches' son? While Bradley is a decent player, I am dying to see Kjlestian (sp), Adu and Altidore all on the field at the same time. Adu and Kjlestian made some decent chances at the end of the game when the first team blew it.

Adu, Kjlestian could form a trio that could really make a serious run in South Africa, and Bradley has one of them out of shape (Altidore, again) and the other two riding the pine. Why???? I see Kjlestian as a Ribery clone wreaking havoc on the wing while Adu - potentially the best playmaker the USA has ever had - distrubuting the ball to Altidore on the left and Donovan on the right.

Wynne and Beasley at the backs - that's Bradley's responsibility, and they sucked it big time. Beasley was housed for the first goal, and Wynne was housed on the second.

Bradley is no Bruce Arena. If he were axed, I would be a happy man.

My starting XI would be: Howard, Danny Califf, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Jonathan Spector, Dempsey, Adu, Mastroeni, Kjlestian, Altidore, Donovan.

I am NOT a Bradley (daddy) supporter...but REALLY??

First, Wynne was a replacement and remember...we have 6 games in less than a month. Spector will be at that spot REGULARLY as a first sub or starter if there is injury.

As much as I like ADU...he is not ready for prime time starting and frankly...too small.

Sacha has been a joke for the last three matches and didnt earn his time. I think he needs a move to Europe ASAP in order to get him tougher and to play at a higher level. he has SO MUCH potential...but just not utilizing it due to lack of competition IMHO.

Finally, I have had the pleasure of watching little Bradley play for Borussia-- my corporate headquarters are in Moenchengladbach...and we have the largest box there.

HE IS THE REAL DEAL...PERIOD....END OF STORY. He demolishes people, has improved his footwork, and can score when needed. He is a holding MID who is only 21 and was one of the better players in the Bundesliga for his position.

We need to get over he is his daddy's boy. Does he make mistakes...YEP...but he makes more positive impacts than negative ones.

[tribe_pride]

I don't think (little) Bradley was ready to play last year. This year I think he has improved and has earned his spot in the starting 11.

Donovan needs to get more involved.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

First, Wynne was a replacement and remember...we have 6 games in less than a month. Spector will be at that spot REGULARLY as a first sub or starter if there is injury.

Sacha has been a joke for the last three matches and didnt earn his time. I think he needs a move to Europe ASAP in order to get him tougher and to play at a higher level. he has SO MUCH potential...but just not utilizing it due to lack of competition IMHO.

Noted and I agree. Sacha should jump at the chance to play in Europe to get better, and Spector is by far the better player, agreed.


Finally, I have had the pleasure of watching little Bradley play for Borussia-- my corporate headquarters are in Moenchengladbach...and we have the largest box there.

HE IS THE REAL DEAL...PERIOD....END OF STORY. He demolishes people, has improved his footwork, and can score when needed. He is a holding MID who is only 21 and was one of the better players in the Bundesliga for his position.

We need to get over he is his daddy's boy. Does he make mistakes...YEP...but he makes more positive impacts than negative ones.

As much as I like ADU...he is not ready for prime time starting and frankly...too small.

Fair enough, but did you see Adu play with Altidore in the U20's? He was incredible at setting the table, and JMHO but that's exactly what USA has lacked in so many WC campaigns. Bradley jr. can score, he's "tough" and while I never saw him play at M'Gladbach I can appreciate your take on him. But IMHO he lacks the playmaker "potential" that Adu has.

And I don't believe Adu is too short to be the playmaker in the middle for the USMNT. As a Monaco fan (yes, really), I'm more than disappointed that Ricardo didn't play him more. But USMNT games would probably be the best thing for Adu's fitness and development.

[Hansel]

I thought Bradley and Torres looked good

not a good game for Beasley and Wynn

I like Adu because he can be exciting, you don't get that from many (any?) other US players

[Dane96]

Noted and I agree. Sacha should jump at the chance to play in Europe to get better, and Spector is by far the better player, agreed.



Fair enough, but did you see Adu play with Altidore in the U20's? He was incredible at setting the table, and JMHO but that's exactly what USA has lacked in so many WC campaigns. Bradley jr. can score, he's "tough" and while I never saw him play at M'Gladbach I can appreciate your take on him. But IMHO he lacks the playmaker "potential" that Adu has.

And I don't believe Adu is too short to be the playmaker in the middle for the USMNT. As a Monaco fan (yes, really), I'm more than disappointed that Ricardo didn't play him more. But USMNT games would probably be the best thing for Adu's fitness and development.

I actually went to the pre-match between the US and Argentina...we demolished them...and they were phenomonal together.

Right now, however, Freddy is no where near the cailber he needs to play constantly...and I LOVE FREDDY. He really needs a break in his club play to get him to that level. I honestly feel he should go to Holland to get time.

Thing is, we have some depth at the midfield when everyone is healthy. With Edu and Bradley, you have two interchangeable guys...and Torres is a CURRENTLY better version than ADU. Personally, I would love to see Alitidore up top with Dempsey...and some combination of Landycakes, EDU, Torres, Adu, Bradley...and even Spector who plays Central for West Ham at times....

I think Dempsey and Altidore would be phenomenal.

I agree that Bradley isnt the playmaker ADU is...there is NO QUESTIONS THERE....but I think we should have Adu outwide with Bradley and EDU in the middle....and Landovan on the other side. Torres and ADU would split time.

[Dane96]

I thought Bradley and Torres looked good

not a good game for Beasley and Wynn

I like Adu because he can be exciting, you don't get that from many (any?) other US players

Beasley, IMHO, is done. Just doesnt have it on a regular basis. Flashes of brilliance...and flashes of him getting bitch slapped.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I actually went to the pre-match between the US and Argentina...we demolished them...and they were phenomonal together.

Right now, however, Freddy is no where near the cailber he needs to play constantly...and I LOVE FREDDY. He really needs a break in his club play to get him to that level. I honestly feel he should go to Holland to get time.

Thing is, we have some depth at the midfield when everyone is healthy. With Edu and Bradley, you have two interchangeable guys...and Torres is a CURRENTLY better version than ADU. Personally, I would love to see Alitidore up top with Dempsey...and some combination of Landycakes, EDU, Torres, Adu, Bradley...and even Spector who plays Central for West Ham at times....

I think Dempsey and Altidore would be phenomenal.

I agree that Bradley isnt the playmaker ADU is...there is NO QUESTIONS THERE....but I think we should have Adu outwide with Bradley and EDU in the middle....and Landovan on the other side. Torres and ADU would split time.

Great points all. I am just hoping Freddy gets the start on Saturday. Of course, I'm also hoping that Freddy gets signed by Monaco full-time (that will never happen - Monaco lives by the rent-a-player! :) ) I soooo agree that Freddy should play in Holland.

Freddy needs to play in the middle IMHO. You just can't be a proper table-setter out wide. I really hope Bradley sr. doesn't do what folks did with Donovan and play him here, there and everywhere. Donovan was hurt since no team wanted him to specialize at striker or midfield. Had anyone made a choice on position (including LD himself) early in his career, he would have been much better.

It's a great question - would Freddy be better served playing as a part-time winger in Europe, or coming back to MLS and wearing the No. 10? Probably at 19 years old playing the role of a young DaMarcus Beasley on Heerenveen or something is the better choice, but three or four years down the road he should probably play the No. 10 in Europe or MLS, whoever will take him.

[Dane96]

Well, because of his fantastic speed...maybe move EDU out wide, have Bradley and Adu in the middle...and Landy staying back would work...I guess making ADU the CAM.

[LacesOut]

Don't they need Landon out on the wing to take advantage of his speed?

[TexasTerror]

A big problem against Costa Rica was the lack of Brian Ching...

Perhaps our Brian Ching haters will realize what he provides to the squad now. ;)

[Dane96]

Brian Ching is serviceable-- if our hopes rest on him...WE ARE IN HUGE TROUBLE. Guy is a hard working kid...but not our answer at all at the world class level.

[TexasTerror]

Ching out...a blow for the US MNT ahead of playing Honduras...


CHICAGO — U.S. forward Brian Ching will miss Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Honduras because of a strained hamstring.

Ching aggravated the injury this week and missed Wednesday’s 3-1 loss at Costa Rica. He was replaced on the roster Friday by Colorado forward Conor Casey, who has made nine international appearances.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6459760.html

[TexasTerror]

Honduras scores an early goal and it's like - oh crap, here we ago - but hey, the US responded with a goal from Landon Donovan just before the break...Bocanegra scores from Dempsey in the 69'. Gets taken down on a challenge two minutes later and he's replaced.

2-1, 69'

El Salvador 1-0 Mexico HALF
Costa Rica 3-2 T&T FINAL

Updated with CR-T&T result...

Costa Rica 4-1-0, 12 pt
USA 2-1-1, 7 pt
Honduras 1-1-1, 4 pt
Mexico 1-2, 3 pt
El Salvador 0-1-2, 2 pt
Trinidad & Tobago 0-2-2, 2pt

[TexasTerror]

U-S-A! U-S-A! MNT wins...2-1.

El Salvador 1-0 Mexico '57

Updated with other results sans SLV-MEX result...

Costa Rica 4-1-0, 12 pt
USA 3-1-1, 10 pt
Honduras 1-2-1, 4 pt
Mexico 1-2, 3 pt
El Salvador 0-1-2, 2 pt
Trinidad & Tobago 0-2-2, 2pt

[TheValleyRaider]

Not 100% thrilled with a 2-1 win at home against Honduras, but I'll take 3 points. Hopefully they play better in the upcoming Confederations Cup (if they don't, it sure could get ugly....)

[TexasTerror]

Not 100% thrilled with a 2-1 win at home against Honduras, but I'll take 3 points. Hopefully they play better in the upcoming Confederations Cup (if they don't, it sure could get ugly....)

Don't forget the CONCACAF Gold Cup which is shortly behind the Confederations Cup.

While it does stand for anything this year (i.e Confederations Cup bid), it could end up being a good test for our up and coming players that will play into factor for the next World Cup. Figure Bradley is going to bring in fringe players for this one.

US MNT is drawn against Grenada, Haiti and Honduras. Canada has Costa Rica, El Salvador and Jamica. Final group is Mexico, Nicagaragua, Guadelope and Panama.

[TexasTerror]

Darn it!

Mexico knots it at 1 in the '71. Blanco makes the PK.

[tribe_pride]

Hand ball in the box for Mexico. El Salvador scores. 2-1 ES 85th minute

[tribe_pride]

Goal Mexico called back by an offsides.

[TexasTerror]

Hand ball in the box for Mexico. El Salvador scores. 2-1 ES 85th minute

Ouch for Mexico!

Great thing for US MNT if SLV can put this out!

Other scores, news of note...

AUSTRALIA and JAPAN qualified for the 2010 World Cup.

SOUTH KOREA needs a win over Saudi Arabia on June 10th to qualify. NORTH KOREA can also advance if they beat Saudi Arabia on June 17th. Watch the US get paired with North Korea in the World Cup, oy!

[UNHWildCats]

Ouch for Mexico!

Great thing for US MNT if SLV can put this out!

Other scores, news of note...

AUSTRALIA and JAPAN qualified for the 2010 World Cup.

SOUTH KOREA needs a win over Saudi Arabia on June 10th to qualify. NORTH KOREA can also advance if they beat Saudi Arabia on June 17th. Watch the US get paired with North Korea in the World Cup, oy!
According to Yahoo South Korea has qualified with todays result. The Netherlands also qualified.

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=AtPeeOwMsFKtfoGUoh692l0mw7YF?slug=ap-internationalrdp&prov=ap&type=lgns


South Korea (4-0-2) has 14 points, three ahead of North Korea (3-2-2), which tied 0-0 against visiting Iran (1-1-4) and four in front of Saudi Arabia (3-2-1), which hosts North Korea on June 17. The top two teams in each Asian group qualify, and the third-place teams meet in a playoff.

[tribe_pride]

That's game - 2-1 SLV

[UNHWildCats]

Official World Cup site also confirms South Korea as qualified.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/qualifiers/index.html

[TexasTerror]

Updated standings through tonight's games...

Costa Rica 4-1-0, 12 pt
USA 3-1-1, 10 pt
El Salvador 1-1-2, 5 pt
Honduras 1-2-1, 4 pt
Mexico 1-3, 3 pt
Trinidad & Tobago 0-2-2, 2pt

Next matches...

June 10th
El Salvador @ Honduras
Trinidad & Tobago @ Mexico

[Dane96]

Jonathon Spector should be starting from here on out...PERIOD.

Guy starts for West Ham...tough as nails...and he was BY FAR THE BEST PLAYER ON THE PITCH TONIGHT.

I also think Benny played very very well. He needs the regular time he is seeing at Aarhaus. I think Altitdore will grow...and we cant expect him to be great (he wasnt tonight) but he does create havoc.

I also think Clark played decent.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Clearly Bradley is looking for answers with a radically changed team from Wednesday. Disappointed (obviously) that Adu was not on the team this go-round, but Spector and Clark played great as did Donovan (for the second straight game I might add). It was too bad Bocanegra got hurt almost immediately after he got us the three points - it was painfully evident how disorganized the back line was as soon as he left. DeMerit didn't show much, and Honduras got three dangerous shots off the broken-down defense. Try doing that against an elite team like Italy.... they won't make the same mistake.

What infuriated me most was Dempsey missing a CERTAIN goal off a PERFECT pass by Donovan. How do you miss that? Against Honduras you can get away with mistakes like that, but against the really good teams they will make you pay. Dempsey underwhelmed me as part of the Revolution, and he continues to underwhelm me.

The whole team just seems edgy and out-of-sync - perhaps not surprising since it was a complete reshuffle from Wednesday. They did what they needed to do against Honduras, but they need to find the right answers and fast, especially on the back line. If Spector/Onyewu/Bocanegra go down, anyone in the world can score against us.

I'm pretty worried about this team. They need to settle on the solutions at each position (save maybe Donovan and Howard) and fast. They need to spend double-time developing some depth at defense.

The Confederations Cup will be damned interesting.

[Rob Iola]

Dempsey's giveaway was unforgivable - too many touches in traffic at midfield (e.g., more than 2) is a cardinal sin. Coupled with his other gaffes, only slightly tempered by his contribution on the 2nd goal, and he needs to replaced - the question is, by who? (whom?)

Also, Altidore's controlling touches are total pants, but in his case he needs more minutes - hopefully he's playing full 90s in the CC...

[JMU Newbill]

It would not surprise me in the least if we did not win a single match in the Confederations Cup. I honestly think we have digressed since 2006.

Onyewu is not a world class central defender... and I think a lot of our problems in the back stem from him. Granted we have no one (healthy) to play outside in the back, but now we seemingly have no one that really should be starting on an international level. Bocanegra can't do it all by himself back there.

Bradley has also shown no interest in letting Adu develop, despite the fact that he absolutely has torn other teams apart in international play for the U-23 (and under) competitions. Adu probably has the best on-the-ball foot skills on the team, yet rarely sees the pitch, or even stays on the active roster.

Dempsey... garbage. Ching.... garbage. Altidore... will get better with more experience... he doesn't get any PT for his club and is coming off surgery.

Beasley... playing out of position. Love him making runs on the wing in the midfield, but has no business playing back.

Donovan... great MLS player... but he has no business being a starting central midfielder on a (supposedly) top 15 international team... but then again neither does Bradley. Ideally you'd like to see him running up top with Altidore.

Connor Casey?? Give me a break.

I miss Bobby Convey.


I don't want to be all negative, so I will end on a positive note. Ricardo Clark looked great in his first appearance for the national team in a while. Not sure if he will have much of a long term role with the team, but I thought he played well. Once Edu is healthy, Clark really doesn't have a spot.

[LacesOut]

It would not surprise me in the least if we did not win a single match in the Confederations Cup.


Well if what I saw as their schedule for the Confederations Cup is true, they play Italy, Brazil and Egypt, correct? If so, they most likely have no shot to win a game. Hell will they even score?

[JMU Newbill]

Well if what I saw as their schedule for the Confederations Cup is true, they play Italy, Brazil and Egypt, correct? If so, they most likely have no shot to win a game. Hell will they even score?


You are right, its likely we won't score.

Other question, can we hold Italy or Brazil to under.... 4 goals?

[Dane96]

Relax people-- with the full squad I think we can hold Italy and Brazil. Remember, we tied Italy in the World Cup and gave Brazil a nice run (though the score didnt indicate as such) right before or after the Cup (I forget).

I was in attendence at the Argentina game-- when we bunker down we are fine.

As noted though, we are not ready to score in the run of play...and that is a major issue.

[JMU Newbill]

Relax people-- with the full squad I think we can hold Italy and Brazil. Remember, we tied Italy in the World Cup and gave Brazil a nice run (though the score didnt indicate as such) right before or after the Cup (I forget).

I was in attendence at the Argentina game-- when we bunker down we are fine.

As noted though, we are not ready to score in the run of play...and that is a major issue.


We tied Italy on a fluke goal in a game that they didn't care about.

We played Brazil's development team practically the time you are referencing.

[Dane96]

As an Italian...who watched that game intently in a very Italian neighborhood...and with my Italian dad rooting for Italy, I can tell you every one of the fans watching had a "whew" feeling.

That was the dirtiest game ever played, and while a fluke goal did happen, we had way too many calls (offside, PK's, fouls) go against us. In the run of play, the US played much better than the italians.

And no...we did not play the Brazilian developmental team-- IT WAS A WORLD CUP TUNE-UP. What are you talking about? First off all, we were playing with Chris Seitz in goal for most of the game after Howard got injured. That is a huge drop off. Second, Ronaldinho, Robinho, Kaka, Afonso, Lucio, Doni, Vagner Love and Mineiro are not the developmental team. We scored an own goal (Gooch)...and had scrubs like Davey Arnaud playing.

You really cant be serious with your comments.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Onyewu is not a world class central defender... and I think a lot of our problems in the back stem from him. Granted we have no one (healthy) to play outside in the back, but now we seemingly have no one that really should be starting on an international level. Bocanegra can't do it all by himself back there.

Bradley has also shown no interest in letting Adu develop, despite the fact that he absolutely has torn other teams apart in international play for the U-23 (and under) competitions. Adu probably has the best on-the-ball foot skills on the team, yet rarely sees the pitch, or even stays on the active roster

....


I don't want to be all negative, so I will end on a positive note. Ricardo Clark looked great in his first appearance for the national team in a while. Not sure if he will have much of a long term role with the team, but I thought he played well. Once Edu is healthy, Clark really doesn't have a spot.

I so agree with what you said about Adu. Since he's not getting as much PT as we might like at club level, he HAS to develop in the USMNT games. And with the coaches son out, a golden opportunity to get the start goes by the wayside. There is clearly a fallout between Adu and Bradley - while I don't know enough to know if it's justified or not (perhaps it is), as an outsider it's damned troubling.

I do disagree about Onyewu, though. He shows flashes of brilliant play, especially on set pieces. But he's young, though, and still learning, so he's inconsistent. And at least Onyewu has talent (and height - he's our only non-goalkeeper above 6'4) - like I said before, everyone after Onyewu/Spector/Bocanegra I have zero confidence in. In a lot of ways, the back line is sorely missing Eddie Pope - that stabilizing influence that makes the whole back line play better. Bocanegra is morphing into that player, but he's not Eddie Pope yet. (It would help if Bornstein could cement a spot in the back line.)

Edu is out for three months, so Clark will in effect get his shot. For the CC, I'd be awful tempted to go to a defensive 5-3-2 in an effort to get some confidence in that back line. Maybe Howard/Spector/Onyewu/Bocanegra/Clark/Bornstein, with (sigh) Bradley/Donovan/Torres in the middle, and Altidore/(sigh) Dempsey at forward. (Ideally you'd have Altidore/Donovan at forward and Bradley/Adu/Torres in the middle, but there's just not enough experience make that work. Or you could go Bradley/Donovan/Torres and Altidore/Casey, though that's not thrilling either.)

I hope the USMNT makes a liar of me in the CC, but I agree, our best shot is a win over Egypt and a tie with one of the big boys. But I wouldn't be shocked if we score one goal over all three games.

[89Hen]

Can you imagine Mexico not making it. xeekx

Mexico finishing fourth might be the best thing that could happen for CONCACAF. They would have the best chance of winning a home and home with the fifth place South American side and giving CONCACAF four teams in South Africa.

Updated standings through tonight's games...

Costa Rica 4-1-0, 12 pt
USA 3-1-1, 10 pt
El Salvador 1-1-2, 5 pt
Honduras 1-2-1, 4 pt
Mexico 1-3, 3 pt
Trinidad & Tobago 0-2-2, 2pt
xeyebrowx xwhistlex

[OhioHen]

Updated standings through tonight's games...

Costa Rica 4-1-0, 12 pt
USA 3-1-1, 10 pt
El Salvador 1-1-2, 5 pt
Honduras 1-2-1, 4 pt
Mexico 1-3, 3 pt
Trinidad & Tobago 0-2-2, 2pt

Next matches...

June 10th
El Salvador @ Honduras
Trinidad & Tobago @ Mexico


xeyebrowx xwhistlex

I don't expect to see the same raised eyebrow and whistling after tomorrow's matches. Mexico should be on 6 points - either tied for third if El Salvador and Honduras draw or 4th if there's a winner.

[Rob Iola]

...In a lot of ways, the back line is sorely missing Eddie Pope - that stabilizing influence that makes the whole back line play better. Bocanegra is morphing into that player, but he's not Eddie Pope yet...

FWIW, if my daughter was a boy her travel team coach last year would have been Eddie Pope (Loudoun '94 Red based in Loudoun County, VA)...

[OhioHen]

Last night's results:

Honduras 1:0 El Salvador
Mexico 2:1 Trinidad & Tobago

Updated standings at the mid-point of the Hexagonal:

Costa Rica 4-1-0, 12 pts
USA 3-1-1, 10 pts
Honduras 2-2-1, 7 pts
Mexico 2-3-0, 6 pts
El Salvador 1-1-2, 5 pts
Trinidad & Tobago 0-3-2, 2pts

[TexasTerror]

Mexico has a very "home-heavy" second half of the hex. I see them getting third.

Just hope our #4 team can somehow manage a win in the playof to get into the WC Finals.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Costa Rica 4-1-0, 12 pts
USA 3-1-1, 10 pts
Honduras 2-2-1, 7 pts
Mexico 2-3-0, 6 pts
El Salvador 1-1-2, 5 pts
Trinidad & Tobago 0-3-2, 2pts

Can you remember a WCQ with this much intrigue? *Any* of the Top 5 teams could qualify with ease or fall out. Conversely, if the USMNT can finally win at Azteca it could really make it a huge struggle for Mexico to qualify. But even El Salvador has a real shot to make it (and have already beaten Mexico).

[TexasTerror]

Now that North Korea has qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1966 - I have a gut feeling that should the US MNT qualify, they will run into the North Korean side!

Current qualifiers...

South Africa
Australia
Japan
North Korea
South Korea
The Netherlands

[TexasTerror]

Now that the Confederations Cup and Gold Cup are out of the way - we can move forward to what matters most! World Cup qualifying!

Which players from the two aforementioned tournament impressed you enough that they should be included for the roster for the forthcoming matches against Mexico (Aug. 12), El Salvador (Sept. 5) and Trinidad & Tobago (Sept. 9). If the US could somehow muster two wins in these matches, perhaps we'll be pretty secure?

[TexasTerror]

Mexico's roster ahead of Aug. 12...

GOALKEEPERS: Guillermo Ochoa (América), José de Jesús Corona (Cruz Azul).

DEFENDERS: Efraín Juárez (Pumas), José Antonio Castro (Tigres), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart, Alemania), Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven, Holanda), Oscar Rojas (América), Rafael Márquez (Barcelona, España), Jonny Magallón (Chivas), Aarón Galindo (Chivas).

MIDFIELDERS: Israel Castro (Pumas), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Cuauhtémoc Blanco (Chicago Fire), Andrés Guardado (Deportivo La Coruña, España), Alberto Medina (Chivas).

FORWARDS: Miguel Sabah (Morelia), Giovani Dos Santos (Ipswich, Inglaterra), Carlos Vela (Arsenal, Inglaterra), Guillermo Franco (sin equipo), Nery Castillo (Shakhtar Donetsk).

[TexasTerror]

World Cup Finals Projections...and I honestly would not be surprised if we got paired with North Korea.

http://www.football-rankings.info/2009/07/2010-wc-seeding-formula-based-on.html

Group A: South Africa, Serbia, Australia, Chile
Group B: Germany, Russia, Mexico, Ghana
Group C: England, Greece, Korea DPR, USA
Group D: Brazil, Switzerland, Korea Republic, Algeria
Group E: Spain, Scotland, Honduras, Paraguay
Group F: Italy, Netherlands, Japan, Gabon
Group G: France, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Cote d'Ivoire
Group H: Argentina, Slovakia, Costa Rica, Tunisia

[89Hen]

World Cup Finals Projections...
xconfusedx There are 1000 possible draws even if he got the pots right, no?

Given his pots, I'd like to see...

Spain, Scotland, Saudi Arabia, USA

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Group B: Germany, Russia, Mexico, Ghana
Group C: England, Greece, Korea DPR, USA



Heavens this would be a great draw for the US. Could you picture Landon Donovan and David Beckham facing off against each other? Oh man!

And for good measure, the Mexicans would officially be in the Group of Death. It would be a very, very uphill battle to make it to the knockout stages if this were to happen.

Just to keep this on topic, Aug. 12th is must-see TV, or at least TiVo material.

[tribe_pride]

Interestingly enough, those predictions have the 4th CONCACAF team (Mexico?) beating the 5th CONMEBOL team (Ecuador?)

[OhioHen]

Interestingly enough, those predictions have the 4th CONCACAF team (Mexico?) beating the 5th CONMEBOL team (Ecuador?)

Best chance that CONCACAF has of getting four sides in the WC is for Mexico to finish 4th in the region.

[EPJr]

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (2):
Brad Guzan (Aston Villa: 5/3 SO), Tim Howard (Everton FC: 11/7 SO)

DEFENDERS (7):
Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes: 21/3), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA, 2/0), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover: 18/0), Jay DeMerit (Watford: 2/0), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew: 0/0), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan: 16/1), Jonathan Spector (West Ham: 2/0)

MIDFIELDERS (6):
Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach: 10/4), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo: 5/0), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC: 17/4), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus: 1/0), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo: 0/0), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca: 5/0)

FORWARDS (5):
Jozy Altidore (Villarreal: 8/5), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids: 5/0), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo: 15/6), Charlie Davies (FC Sochaux: 2/1), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy: 30/11)

*numbers indicate all-time World Cup Qualifying caps/goals

http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-Na...in-Mexico.aspx

[OhioHen]

Yesterday's other results
T&T 1-0 El Salvador
Honduras 4-0 Costa Rica

Standings

Team W D L GF GA Pts
CRC 4 0 2 9 9 12
HON 3 1 2 10 6 10 (2nd on goal differential)
USA 3 1 2 11 8 10
MEX 3 0 3 8 9 9
SLV 1 2 3 6 8 5
TRI 1 2 3 7 11 5

[TexasTerror]

Here's the roster ahead of matches against El Salvador and T&T...let's go for SIX!

GOALKEEPERS (2): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton FC)

DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca)

FORWARDS (6): Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Charlie Davies (FC Sochaux), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)

[SLOSTYLE]

based on that roster, i think the lineup should look something like this:

GK: Howard

CB's: DeMerit, Onyewu

OB's: Bocanegra, Spector

HMF: Bradley

ATKMF: Donovan

OutMF's: Dempsey, Feilhaber/Torres

FWDS: Altidore, Davies

I know thats a little bit different than Bob Bradley has been playing it, but after watching mexico dismantle the USA's center midfield, i really think we need our two best ballhandlers (bradley and donovan) controlling that area. I am so over ricardo clark out there, i feel like he has had tons of chances and hasnt really performed. Also, i know torres can be more than shaky, but he does have some flashes of brilliance. I say give him a chance. And now that altidore is getting some solid minutes for the tigers in england and seems to be in form, he has no excuse not to be able to start up top at forward and contribute right away. My subs would be ching for whoever seems more tired out of altidore/davies (probably altidore) and whoever doesnt start out of feilhaber and torres. other than that, i think the defense is extremely solid, and for the us, its just about controlling the midfield (or at least not getting burned there.)

[EPJr]

http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=39673&stc=1&d=1250300471

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Mexico @Costa Rica
Honduras @Trinidad and Tobago
El Salvador @USA

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Costa Rica @El Salvador
USA @Trinidad and Tobago
Honduras @Mexico

[Rob Iola]

based on that roster, i think the lineup should look something like this:

GK: Howard

CB's: DeMerit, Onyewu

OB's: Bocanegra, Spector

HMF: Bradley

ATKMF: Donovan

OutMF's: Dempsey, Feilhaber/Torres

FWDS: Altidore, Davies

...
I thought Gooch was out against El Salvador due to yellow card accumulation?

[TheValleyRaider]

http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=39673&stc=1&d=1250300471

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Mexico @Costa Rica
Honduras @Trinidad and Tobago
El Salvador @USA

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Costa Rica @El Salvador
USA @Trinidad and Tobago
Honduras @Mexico

6 points

Cannot settle for anything less

[MSUfan2010]

I thought Gooch was out against El Salvador due to yellow card accumulation?

He is.

We just need to stay within 3 points of Costa Rica and pass Honduras in goal difference. It will come down to the last game more than likely. The games on October 10th and 14th may be the biggest games in the history of USMNT

[SonuvaHenx2]

He is.

We just need to stay within 3 points of Costa Rica and pass Honduras in goal difference. It will come down to the last game more than likely. The games on October 10th and 14th may be the biggest games in the history of USMNT

If Costa Rica, Honduras, and the US each win their games in the next week, it seals CONCACAF up. It would mean Mexico losing both of their matches, and they would be 9 behind CRC and 7 behind HON and USA. Of course, Honduras play at Mexico, so I don't see that happening, but one can hope xrotatehx

[EPJr]

Tickets for U.S. FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Washington, D.C., Go on Sale to The Public on Sept. 10

CHICAGO (Sept. 2, 2009) — Tickets for the U.S. Men’s National Team FIFA World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica on Oct. 14 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, Sept. 10, after a presale for Visa cardholders.

The USA’s final home qualifying match, which will close out the 10-game final round of FIFA World Cup qualifying, will be televised on ESPN2 and Galavision. Kickoff for the match will be determined at a later date, as all of the CONCACAF qualifying matches that day must kick off at the same time. In the teams’ first meeting during the final round of qualifying, the U.S. fell 3-1 to Costa Rica on June 3 at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa.

[blur2005]

Tickets for U.S. FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Washington, D.C., Go on Sale to The Public on Sept. 10

CHICAGO (Sept. 2, 2009) — Tickets for the U.S. Men’s National Team FIFA World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica on Oct. 14 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, Sept. 10, after a presale for Visa cardholders.

The USA’s final home qualifying match, which will close out the 10-game final round of FIFA World Cup qualifying, will be televised on ESPN2 and Galavision. Kickoff for the match will be determined at a later date, as all of the CONCACAF qualifying matches that day must kick off at the same time. In the teams’ first meeting during the final round of qualifying, the U.S. fell 3-1 to Costa Rica on June 3 at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa.
I'm gonna try to go to the game at RFK as I'm living in D.C. now. The U.S. needs to get six points in the next two games, otherwise things could get pretty tight.

[LacesOut]

The U.S. needs to get six points in the next two games, otherwise things could get pretty tight.

Agreed.

And I don't really want to see things get tight!

[TheValleyRaider]

USA 2-1 El Salvador
Good win for the Yanks. Only caught the last few minutes, when they held on for the draw, but 3 points is 3 points

Honduras 4-1 Trinidad & Tobago
Costa Rica 0-3 Mexico (still playing, but late in the 2nd half....)

Standings (if we assume Mexico hangs on)

HON 4-1-2 13 +7
USA 4-1-2 13 +4
MEX 4-0-3 12 +2 (if 3-0 holds)
CRC 4-0-3 12 -6 (if 3-0 holds)
SLV 1-2-4 5 -3
TRI 1-2-4 5 -7

[SonuvaHenx2]

USA 2-1 El Salvador
Good win for the Yanks. Only caught the last few minutes, when they held on for the draw, but 3 points is 3 points

Honduras 4-1 Trinidad & Tobago
Costa Rica 0-3 Mexico (still playing, but late in the 2nd half....)

Standings (if we assume Mexico hangs on)

HON 4-1-2 13 +7
USA 4-1-2 13 +4
MEX 4-0-3 12 +2 (if 3-0 holds)
CRC 4-0-3 12 -6 (if 3-0 holds)
SLV 1-2-4 5 -3
TRI 1-2-4 5 -7

Ouch. From 1st to 4th with one bad loss. That's gotta hurt.

[Hansel]

US playing poorly against T and T

[tribe_pride]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLL LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[techstate]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLL LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!! GOL LA SOL.

[Dane96]

I will take it...but we look awful.

[techstate]

I will take it...but we look awful.

No way... I like the white uniforms. xthumbsupx:D

[LacesOut]

Update please?!

[tribe_pride]

Game just finished. 1-0 US.

Let's go El Salvador and Mex-Hon tie (I guess)

[LacesOut]

Ahh thanks. I just found a thread about it over on another site.

Here's on post about it:

One of the worst matches I have seen. We were lucky to get the 3 points. At this rate, its not even worth going to the WC. I wish the team that played in the CONCACAF cup would come back. This is just plain awful.

[EPJr]

http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/f/8/8/e/Ricardo_Clark_52a4.JPG

Ricardo Clark scores

USA 1:0 T&T

[Dane96]

Ahh thanks. I just found a thread about it over on another site.

Here's on post about it:

One of the worst matches I have seen. We were lucky to get the 3 points. At this rate, its not even worth going to the WC. I wish the team that played in the CONCACAF cup would come back. This is just plain awful.

Guess that poster (who you quoted) meant the Confederations Cup.

We need to get a pt in Hondoras...at a minimum.

[tribe_pride]

At halftime:

El Salvador - Costa Rica 0-0
Mexico - Honduras 0-0

[TheValleyRaider]

Good teams can win when they play poorly. At least, that's what I'm telling myself

That and, they took 6 points when they should have. Honduras on the road and Costa Rica at home is all that's left between us and South Africa...

[tribe_pride]

1-0 Mexico on a PK in the 75th minute.
Still 0-0 in the Costa Rica-El Salvador in the 82nd minute

[tribe_pride]

El Salvador scores in the 90th+1 minute for the win. That is huge.

Mexico takes it 1-0 over Honduras.


USA 5-1-2 16 +5
MEX 5-0-3 15 +3
HON 4-1-3 13 +6
CRC 4-0-4 12 -4
SLV 2-2-4 8 -2
TRI 1-2-5 5 -8

[MSUfan2010]

Good teams can win when they play poorly. At least, that's what I'm telling myself

That and, they took 6 points when they should have. Honduras on the road and Costa Rica at home is all that's left between us and South Africa...

You want to talk about a team that plays up and down to its opponents? That would be the USMNT to a t. They get up for the Mexico games, got up for Egypt, Spain, Brazil. Argentina, Spain, and England last year. And time again we see them play less than what we know they are capable of against T&T and the likes.

[appmaj]

You want to talk about a team that plays up and down to its opponents? That would be the USMNT to a t. They get up for the Mexico games, got up for Egypt, Spain, Brazil. Argentina, Spain, and England last year. And time again we see them play less than what we know they are capable of against T&T and the likes.

Definately played down to T & T. In that match they did not look like a good team.

[ISUMatt]

does it piss anyone else off that they bury this game on ESPN Classic and we cant even see it in HD anywhere???

[89Hen]

You want to talk about a team that plays up and down to its opponents? That would be the USMNT to a t. They get up for the Mexico games, got up for Egypt, Spain, Brazil. Argentina, Spain, and England last year. And time again we see them play less than what we know they are capable of against T&T and the likes.


Definately played down to T & T. In that match they did not look like a good team.
Didn't T&T beat the US in the first round?

[tribe_pride]

Didn't T&T beat the US in the first round?

I think that was the last game of the previous round where we had already qualified for this round. Because of that, I think we played our B team.

Edit: Just double checked. It was the 2nd to last game but definitely B team in a 2-1 loss. Below was the lineup for the US

Starters
(GK) Brad GUZAN 18
Frankie HEJDUK 2
Michael OROZCO 3
(-83') Francisco TORRES 4
(C) DaMarcus BEASLEY 7
Jozy ALTIDORE 9
Maurice EDU 13
Danny CALIFF 14
(-87') Heath PEARCE 15
Sacha KLJESTAN 16
(-69') Freddy ADU 17
Substitute(s)
(+83') Danny SZETELA 8
(+69') Charlie DAVIES 10
(+87') Chris ROLFE 11

[appmaj]

does it piss anyone else off that they bury this game on ESPN Classic and we cant even see it in HD anywhere???

See comments on this thread...

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61714

For whatever reason in South Florida we get ESPN, ESPN 2, & ESPNU with our regular package but have to buy a 'Sports' tier to get ESPN classic...I watched on ESPN 360 which oddly enough is free here

[EPJr]

Didn't T&T beat the US in the first round?

The last time we played T&T was in April. That was the Jozy coming out match - he became the youngest player to score a hat trick.

[JMU Newbill]

Bob Bradley almost blew another match for us. Stupid substitutions... absolutely stupid.

Atleast the first sub he was planning on making never happened. After the game, Bradley admitted that he had already sent Holden up to come in for Ricardo Clark.... good thing Clark scored first.

When are we going to get relief from this stupid coach?

[Dane96]

I think that was the last game of the previous round where we had already qualified for this round. Because of that, I think we played our B team.

Edit: Just double checked. It was the 2nd to last game but definitely B team in a 2-1 loss. Below was the lineup for the US

Starters
(GK) Brad GUZAN 18
Frankie HEJDUK 2
Michael OROZCO 3
(-83') Francisco TORRES 4
(C) DaMarcus BEASLEY 7
Jozy ALTIDORE 9
Maurice EDU 13
Danny CALIFF 14
(-87') Heath PEARCE 15
Sacha KLJESTAN 16
(-69') Freddy ADU 17
Substitute(s)
(+83') Danny SZETELA 8
(+69') Charlie DAVIES 10
(+87') Chris ROLFE 11

Arguably a B-/C+ team.

[Dane96]

Bob Bradley almost blew another match for us. Stupid substitutions... absolutely stupid.

Atleast the first sub he was planning on making never happened. After the game, Bradley admitted that he had already sent Holden up to come in for Ricardo Clark.... good thing Clark scored first.

When are we going to get relief from this stupid coach?

Why were the subs stupid. In fact, this is the first match that he actually made the right moves.

1. Clark was UNDERPERFORMING.
2. Holden was coming on to give an attacking MF presence (his crosses have been phenomenal).
3. When we scored, no need for defense for offense. So, he took out the gassed striker (Altidore) and put in a MF so he could pack it in...but...put in a MF who could push the ball offensively. Keeping Clark in the game gave the USA their enforcer at midfield.
4. Subbing in Ching (not a fan as a starter...but serviceable) was smart because they needed a target striker....and someone with experience and strength.

I am not a BB apologist....far from...but he made the right moves here.

DEMPSEY LOOKED AWFUL...and FWCK BORNSTEIN played well, a shocker, but Castillo couldnt come into the USMNT fold any quicker.

[Rob Iola]

Bob Bradley almost blew another match for us. Stupid substitutions... absolutely stupid.

Atleast the first sub he was planning on making never happened. After the game, Bradley admitted that he had already sent Holden up to come in for Ricardo Clark.... good thing Clark scored first.

When are we going to get relief from this stupid coach?
Could someone please buy the man some new clothes? He always wears that too-tight (ewww) sweat outfit that looks straight from the USSF clearance rack (or from the Salvation Army thrift store).

[Rob Iola]

BTW, caught the 2nd half of the Mexico-Honduras match - absolutely epic time-wasting by both sides, first with the Honduras keeper in simulated agony trying to milk a tie, and then by Blanco (after converting the tie-breaking PK) single-handledly wiping out about 10 minutes at the end with an apparent head injury (but thankfully he felt better immediately after being carted into touch).

I know that FIFA's cracking down on dives in the area, but can't the refs do anything (e.g., cards) when players simulate injury? At a minimum not let them back onto the pitch immediately after their miraculous recoveries?

[Hansel]

DEMPSEY LOOKED AWFUL.

Dempsey should not be allowed to touch the ball unless he is shooting, maybe play him as a striker along with Altidore

[EPJr]

CONCACAF WC Qualifying

Sat., Oct. 10
Costa Rica vs. Trinidad-Tobago
Honduras vs. United States
Mexico vs. El Salvador

Wed., Oct. 14
United States vs. Costa Rica
Trinidad-Tobago vs. Mexico
El Salvador vs. Honduras

[OxSoxUNH05]

The upcoming game shouldn't even be played in Honduras, with their internal issues. One must be extra concerned for the boys in blue.

[EPJr]

CONCACAF WC Qualifying

Sat., Oct. 10
Costa Rica 4:0 Trinidad-Tobago
Honduras 2:3 United States
Mexico 4:1 El Salvador

Wed., Oct. 14
United States vs. Costa Rica
Trinidad-Tobago vs. Mexico
El Salvador vs. Honduras
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/Allee8890/d8e00473-b1bf-4878-82bb-6eb29525761.jpg

ON OUR WAY TO RSA!!!

[MSUfan2010]

So, do we play a B squad or do we play everyone to stay sharp and finish on a good note?

Personally I would rather see Honduras qualify so I hope we play a team that can beat Costa Rica

[techstate]

So, do we play a B squad or do we play everyone to stay sharp and finish on a good note?

Personally I would rather see Honduras qualify so I hope we play a team that can beat Costa Rica

I think we still play the A team because we are trying to get a good seed for south africa.

[TexasTerror]

I think we still play the A team because we are trying to get a good seed for south africa.

I do not think we're in the mix for the high seeds in South Africa. Just not happening. The US MNT should still send their 'A' team because these CONCACAF matches are great competition, home or away - and we need to play this thing out regardless of if we qualified.

[EPJr]

Nineteen national teams have qualified for sure for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010 after Saturday’s qualifiers.

Europe:
Germany,
Denmark,
Serbia,
current world champion Italy,
England,
Spain,
The Netherlands

Africa:
Republic of South Africa,
Ghana,
Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

South America:
Brazil,
Paraguay,
Chile;

Asia:
Australia,
Japan,
South Korea (RSK)
North Korea (PRK)

North and Central America:
USA,
Mexico

[OxSoxUNH05]

I do not think we're in the mix for the high seeds in South Africa. Just not happening. The US MNT should still send their 'A' team because these CONCACAF matches are great competition, home or away - and we need to play this thing out regardless of if we qualified.

This is correct the qualifying match ups don't count much if at all toward seeds. Only past performance (last 3) world cups and other international tourneys

[SonuvaHenx2]

Personally I would rather see Honduras qualify so I hope we play a team that can beat Costa Rica

Costa Rica being the 4th team gives CONCACAF a much better chance of winning the playoff vs. the 5th CONMEBOL side. xpeacex

[MSUfan2010]

Costa Rica being the 4th team gives CONCACAF a much better chance of winning the playoff vs. the 5th CONMEBOL side. xpeacex

Thanks for proving my point? Not sure where you were going with this.....

[tribe_pride]

Good come back for the US against a tough Costa Rican squad. Costa Rica seconds away from qualifying now has to play Uruguay to get in.

[TheValleyRaider]

Nice to see them rally back for the draw xnodx

Not so nice that they trailed for approximately the entire game xoopsx

On to South Africa xhurrayx xhurrayx

[Dane96]

And it looks like Gooch blew his knee out...that...would be horrendous.

[EPJr]

USA 2:2 CRC
Mex 2:2 T&T
Hon 1:0 ELS

1. USA
2. Mex
3. Hon
4. CRC

[Dane96]

Looks like the early word is Torn Patella Tendon for Gooch. Here's hoping it isnt ruptured.

[EPJr]

TEAMS THAT HAVE QUALIFIED

CONCACAF
United States, qualified Oct. 10
Mexico, qualified Oct. 10
Honduras, qualified Oct. 14

Playoff berth: Costa Rica V. Uruguay

CAF
Ghana, qualified Sept. 6
Ivory Coast, qualified Oct. 10

AFC
Australia, qualified June 6
Japan, qualified June 6
North Korea, qualified June 17
South Korea, qualified Sept. 6

Playoff berth: Bahrain V. New Zealand

UEFA
Netherlands, qualified June 6
England, qualified Sept. 9
Spain, qualified Sept. 9
Denmark, qualified Oct. 10
Germany, qualified Oct. 10
Italy, qualified Oct. 10
Serbia, qualified Oct. 10
Slovakia, qualified Oct. 14
Switzerland, qualified Oct. 14

Playoff berth: (4 comes out of group)
France
Russia
Portugal
Greece
Ireland
Bosnia
Ukraine
Slovenia

OFC
Playoff berth: New Zealand v. Bahrain

CONMEBOL
Brazil, qualified Sept. 5
Paraguay, qualified Sept. 9
Chile, qualified Oct. 10
Argentina, qualified Oct. 14

Playoff berth: Uruguay V. Costa Rico

HOST
South Africa

...9 slots (3 in Africa, 4 in UEFA, and the 2 intercontinental playoffs) left to fill.

[techstate]

What an awesome comeback! USA!USA!

[EPJr]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/8c/fullj.a2b38bf62206a4e1511075a302ba4190/a2b38bf62206a4e1511075a302ba4190-getty-fbl-wc2010-usa-crc.jpg
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/78/fullj.06d97b1b84f3cb915e00f9ddfce43f11/06d97b1b84f3cb915e00f9ddfce43f11-getty-fbl-wc2010-usa-crc.jpg
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/0d/fullj.794b3a9fc50eea3ef56ab8ff5dae1cec/794b3a9fc50eea3ef56ab8ff5dae1cec-getty-91549864wm012_united_states.jpg
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/8e/fullj.eb91939f5087958c7417ee030f27955e/eb91939f5087958c7417ee030f27955e-getty-fbl-wc2010-usa-crc.jpg

[DSUrocks07]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/8c/fullj.a2b38bf62206a4e1511075a302ba4190/a2b38bf62206a4e1511075a302ba4190-getty-fbl-wc2010-usa-crc.jpg
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/78/fullj.06d97b1b84f3cb915e00f9ddfce43f11/06d97b1b84f3cb915e00f9ddfce43f11-getty-fbl-wc2010-usa-crc.jpg
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/0d/fullj.794b3a9fc50eea3ef56ab8ff5dae1cec/794b3a9fc50eea3ef56ab8ff5dae1cec-getty-91549864wm012_united_states.jpg
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/8e/fullj.eb91939f5087958c7417ee030f27955e/eb91939f5087958c7417ee030f27955e-getty-fbl-wc2010-usa-crc.jpg

So much excitement for a tie xsmiley_wix xlolxxlolxxlolx

Great (non)victory for the US.

"YEAHHHHHHH....WE...didn't win but we DIDN"T LOSE...YEAHHHHHHHH!!!"

[appmaj]

So much excitement for a tie xsmiley_wix xlolxxlolxxlolx

Great (non)victory for the US.

"YEAHHHHHHH....WE...didn't win but we DIDN"T LOSE...YEAHHHHHHHH!!!"

They won the group with that draw...

[EPJr]

one of the biggest difference between football and soccer is that a tie is a big deal because each team gets a point and that was enough to keep the US in first place.

[EPJr]

http://www.isiphotos.net/slideshow/001.jpg
http://www.isiphotos.net/slideshow/002.jpg
http://www.isiphotos.net/slideshow/003.jpg

[89Hen]

That was crazy. I turned it on in the 75th minute. I almost felt bad for CR... almost. :p

[tribe_pride]

So much excitement for a tie xsmiley_wix xlolxxlolxxlolx

Great (non)victory for the US.

"YEAHHHHHHH....WE...didn't win but we DIDN"T LOSE...YEAHHHHHHHH!!!"

A lot of the excitement is because how we got the tie. You tie in the last minute of a game that you were losing the whole game, you are going to be excited.

That combined with winning CONCACAF was reason for celebration.

[appmaj]

A lot of the excitement is because how we got the tie. You tie in the last minute of a game that you were losing the whole game, you are going to be excited.

That combined with winning CONCACAF was reason for celebration.

And crushing Costa Ricas hopes xeekx

[tribe_pride]

The Costa Rican defender on the post for the corner has nobody to blame but himself for the last goal. For some reason, he moved off the post to near the center of the goal. Not sure why he did that but the ball went back to where he was supposed to be.

Rule if you are on the post on a corner: DON'T MOVE UNTIL THE GOALIE TELLS YOU TO MOVE.

[EPJr]

THE GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQrRHLMden8&feature=player_embedded#

[appmaj]

That was crazy. I turned it on in the 75th minute. I almost felt bad for CR... almost. :p


The Costa Rican defender on the post for the corner has nobody to blame but himself for the last goal. For some reason, he moved off the post to near the center of the goal. Not sure why he did that but the ball went back to where he was supposed to be.

Rule if you are on the post on a corner: DON'T MOVE UNTIL THE GOALIE TELLS YOU TO MOVE.


BTW...

Way to stay classy Costa Rica

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05oZ4gi3dM2Bk/610x.jpg

[mcveyrl]

BTW...

Way to stay classy Costa Rica

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05oZ4gi3dM2Bk/610x.jpg

Has any of that conversation come out? I DVR'd it and didn't bother going back, just saw the Tico coach getting das boot.

[Skjellyfetti]

This is the audio of the Honduran announcers watching the US/CR game in a simulcast. Trust me on this one, it's awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjOv0rJYyF8

[EPJr]

President of Honduras has extended an offer of a free vacation to Honduras to Bornstein (seriously)

http://www.laprensahn.com/var/laprensa_site/storage/images/ediciones/2009/10/15/multimedia/hincha-bornstein-honduras-te-ama/3341062-1-esl-HN/Hincha-Bornstein-Honduras-te-ama_noticia_full.jpg

[89Hen]

Has any of that conversation come out? I DVR'd it and didn't bother going back, just saw the Tico coach getting das boot.
What it looked like to me was the ref had already seen CRC stall on a sub at about the 84 minute mark (slowly walking out). On this sub it looked like the coach was going to have his guy head in and then tell the 4th ref that he wanted him to go in for somebody different in an attempt to waste even more time. I'm glad a ref finally stood up to these shenanigans. This is actually one of the reasons I think soccer is the most classless of sports. xsmhx

[89Hen]

This is the audio of the Honduran announcers watching the US/CR game in a simulcast. Trust me on this one, it's awesome.
xlolx LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS! LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS!

I think they could have crapped an Amercian flag if asked. xlolx

[Dane96]

My spanish is sadly shotty...but it didnt matter...you knew exactly how they felt; I felt the same way 18 or so years ago on a February evening...sitting watching a little game on ICE in my pj's.

That was awesome...and so was this to a Honduran.

They were pretty classy after our win there...so it is nice to see them get in.

[EPJr]

European World Cup teams to be seeded

Playoff berth: (4 comes out of group)
France
Russia
Portugal
Greece
Ireland
Bosnia
Ukraine
Slovenia

The eight teams will be seeded according to the Fifa rankings, the governing body's president Sepp Blatter said on Tuesday.

There will also be a separate draw to determine which teams play the second legs at home, Blatter told a news conference after a Fifa executive committee meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

"We have decided on seeding the teams into two groups of four, taking the Fifa world rankings into account, with the top four in one pot and the others in another pot," Blatter said.

[LacesOut]

Great tie!

WC soccer games are just so damn exciting!

Obviously, it's not fun seeing them get behind, but damn, it sure is fun seeing them come back!

[MSUfan2010]

European World Cup teams to be seeded

Playoff berth: (4 comes out of group)
France
Russia
Portugal
Greece
Ireland
Bosnia
Ukraine
Slovenia

The eight teams will be seeded according to the Fifa rankings, the governing body's president Sepp Blatter said on Tuesday.

There will also be a separate draw to determine which teams play the second legs at home, Blatter told a news conference after a Fifa executive committee meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

"We have decided on seeding the teams into two groups of four, taking the Fifa world rankings into account, with the top four in one pot and the others in another pot," Blatter said.

Which means what? They will draw one of the top 4 and then draw one of the bottom four and match them up?

I was afraid this was going to happen. I was hoping that we would see a pair of the tops go at it and a pair of the bottoms go at it. Now I'm afraid we won't get to see a Cinderella story for a nation like Bosnia or Slovenia

[LeopardFan04]

Which means what? They will draw one of the top 4 and then draw one of the bottom four and match them up?

I was afraid this was going to happen. I was hoping that we would see a pair of the tops go at it and a pair of the bottoms go at it. Now I'm afraid we won't get to see a Cinderella story for a nation like Bosnia or Slovenia


Yes, I believe that's the way they are doing it. It's BS, especially since they just decided to do that recently, and it wasn't in the qualification rules from the beginning...

[Hansel]

Unless something changes- I will be surprised if the US gets more than a tie in South Africa

[MSUfan2010]

Yes, I believe that's the way they are doing it. It's BS, especially since they just decided to do that recently, and it wasn't in the qualification rules from the beginning...

xsmashxxbangxxarguexxasswhipxxpissedx

[tribe_pride]

Unless something changes- I will be surprised if the US gets more than a tie in South Africa

You realize we beat Spain only a few months ago, right? Not saying you are wrong but to say that the best we are going to do is tie without even seeing our draw is kind of messed up.

[MSUfan2010]

You realize we beat Spain only a few months ago, right? Not saying you are wrong but to say that the best we are going to do is tie without even seeing our draw is kind of messed up.

Had we beaten Brazil, or at least held on for a tie, I would agree. The more I think about the Confederations Cup, the more I feel that we are still so far off. Boy, I would love to be wrong and see us get to the knockout stage but I just don't see it yet.

[appmaj]

Had we beaten Brazil, or at least held on for a tie, I would agree. The more I think about the Confederations Cup, the more I feel that we are still so far off. Boy, I would love to be wrong and see us get to the knockout stage but I just don't see it yet.

xeyebrowx I don't think beating the best team in the world and nearly beating the second best team in the world shows the US in bad form.

What if our group was:

USA
Switzerland
Paraguay
North Korea

Unlikely BUT, I am pretty sure we could get by on that one...