The United States played against Mexico in the third round of the World Cup Qualifying. The game ended in a 0-0 score between the two teams. The United States did not go unharmed, two players; DeAndre Yedlin (defender) and Timothy Weah (winger) both received yellow cards and will be suspended for the game on March 27th against Panama which will be played in Orlando, Florida. This game on Sunday will be the next to last of the region's final round.
What does the US have to do to qualify?
The US is currently in second place in the North and Central America and Caribbean with a total of 22 points which is four points behind Canada but ahead of Mexico on goal difference. If the US is able to get a win on Sunday against Panama, it would only allowed 4th Pl., Costa Rica to pull even by winning its final two games.
As of right now the US has a +9 goal differential. The US's final game is on Wednesday in Costa Rica which they have never won in qualifying. I believe the US will be able to pull off their first ever qualifying win in Costa Rica. The top three finishers in the table shown above will be able to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. The United States appears to be in a secure position. If the United States were to lose to Panama on Sunday they would at least conch the last spot by the virtue of goal differences if Costa Rica loses to El Salvador.
While I don't know a ton about specific players, I do know that this USMNT has a lot more excitement around them than years past. With the increased amount of players competing with European clubs, I would expect that they can put up a good fight in order to qualify into the World Cup. Pulisic is a great leader that the young team needs, and while nobody wanted a draw against Mexico, they are a good team as well that should qualify so I am not too worried. It would be great if this team could qualify and put together a little run in the World Cup, as I think it would create some excitement around soccer for the first time in a while in the U.S. However, we will have to see how they perform tonight as well as on Wednesday to see if they will have the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThe United States are looking pretty in qualifying for the World Cup. They are currently in second and are four points above from not making it with two games to go. A win can seal their fate or a loss from Panama can seal it. One thing unrelated to the North America qualification is that a team like Italy is not going to be in the World Cup after their loss to North Macedonia in the 92nd minute. In my opinion, it should be a world qualification aspect where we won't see defending European champions not making the World Cup the next year.
ReplyDeleteThe game tonight will be big for the Unites States to see if they can clinch. The rivalry between the Unites States and Mexico always makes the game and stands interesting.
ReplyDeleteThis is an exciting topic as a USMNT fan. We have seen soccer grow in the United States over the past ten years and apart of this is because of the men's national team continuing to grow and become more competitive. With a World Cup clinching victory, the US would look to be more involved into the World Cup action.
ReplyDeleteI have in the last year started to watch a lot more of national team. Having players like Sergino Dest, Weston Mckennie, and Christian Pulisik have all made the team better and a lot more fun to watch. I really hope they can make the world cup because their is nothing like supoorting your home country.
ReplyDelete