On to the Hexagon.
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On to the Hexagon.
There is a mathematical, albeit unlikely, scenario where the US could be eliminated from the WC tonite. We would have to lose to T&T by at least 3 goals, and Guatemala would have to beat St. Vincent by at least 10 goals. In that case, were it to happen, we would end up tied with Guatemala in pool play, with 10 pts ea, but they would advance on GD.
This is the dangers and the appeal of the WC. Back in 2006, one of the highest ranked sides in the world failed to earn a qualifier in early round pool play, and had to advance by winning a play-in tourney. Who was that? Why, just eventual 2006 World Cup champ Italy!! They were "coasting" and "assuming" they would get it done in the pool play and Hello! gotta show up and play every match.
More than 2 years out from the WC Finals (the Final 32) and already there are surprises and "ooops!" No major powers have suffered a setback, not at the level of Italy in '06 (yet), but some ranked sides have made life more difficult for themselves. Why, the US has! We are ranked 30th in the world, and as such, are expected to reach the Finals. Yet, here we are, the work is not done just to advance to the next round.
Mission accomplished in style! US 4 Trinidad 0
We need a healthy Altidore. Huge game tonite. He is so strong and can hold the ball with the best of 'em. That makes such a HUGE difference in the attacking one-third. And this kid, Pulisic. Just 17-yrs-old. Our new Landon Donovan and he has made Dempsey irrelevant. Wood, Morris...our youngsters are shining.
The US will host Mexico in November in the opening match of the Hexagon. Can you say Columbus, Ohio and dos a cero !!!
On the women's side, another good showing last night at the Georgia Dome. But, man, what is up with the turf? Looks like the GA Dome drug out some 1970's turf. Yuck!
In the game, USA 3 Holland 1. Holland is ranked 12th in the world and is a strong side. That was a solid performance by our gals. We are unbeaten in 2016, now 18-3-0. (ties are shown second, losses last).
Just in case you were interested, I know you were, over the past 5 years the record is:
95-19-6
That's 6 losses, all in friendlies, in 5 years.
But wait, we "lost" to Sweden in the Olympics this year, that was no friendly (in more ways than one). True, but FIFA treats all draws as draws. How a tournament decides tie-breakers, including the World Cup, is irrelevant to a side's overall record. A tie is a tie is a tie.
Why the US national team NEEDS a healthy Altidore...
this is a great goal:
http://www.starsandstripesfc.com/201...elievable-goal
A front line of a healthy Altidore and Bobby Wood stretching the field.Originally Posted by dawg80
Pulisic developing into a legit 10.
One can dream right?
That would be a terrific trio up top. But then, who fills the midfield? Michael Bradley has disappeared.
USA playing Cuba today for the first time in 70 years.
USA 2 Cuba 0
We are 10-0 all-time vs. Cuba, which represents our best record against any nation.
USA 1 New Zealand 1
Last tune-up before start of the Hex and the all-important home game vs. Mexico.
Very uninspiring. Hard to imagine what such a lackluster effort does to help a team prepare for the battle that is next.
This is my issue with Altidore. He can be one of the best players on the pitch or he disappears completely.
Bradley is quickly becoming a liability on the pitch. Uninspiring as captain.
It was a good showing for some our youth. Good shots on goal from some very young players. Twice they almost won it in the final minutes.
Women's National Team blasts Switzerland 4-0, with 2nd half surge. Switzerland is ranked 15th in the world, and they were dominated last night. Shows the huge gap between the USA and most of the rest of the world.
And talk about youth! Last night the US played mostly "kids." Lynn Williams started the 2nd half, her first ever game on the NT, and she scored in just 51 seconds! There were a handful of players who got their first cap last night, and they just took it to the veteran Switzerland side. Like a hot knife thru butter, as they say. I love the attacking attitude. If they were dispossessed of the ball, they didn't back off and allow the Swiss player room. Hell no! they attacked and took the ball back, and then immediately were on the offense threatening the Swiss goal. BTW, to her credit, the Swiss keeper made some sensational saves. Otherwise it might have been 7-0.
Oh my.......
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