Edit: We qualified! Final World Cup groups:
- Group A: Qatar - Ecuador - Senegal - Netherlands
- Group B: England - Iran - USA – Wales/Scotland/Ukraine
- Group C: Argentina – Saudi Arabia - Mexico – Poland
- Group D: France – Peru/Australia/UAE - Denmark - Tunisia
- Group E: Spain – Costa Rica/NZ - Germany - Japan
- Group F: Belgium - Canada - Morocco - Croatia
- Group G: Brazil - Serbia - Switzerland - Cameroon
- Group H: Portugal - Ghana - Uruguay – South Korea
This is it folks. WCQ is coming to a close. The USMNT is in good position, but with a difficult set of fixtures coming up, certainly nothing is guaranteed.
Schedule
Thursday, 3/24 - @ Mexico, 10:00 PM - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico (Paramount +)
Sunday, 3/27 - v. Panama, 7:00 PM - Exploria Stadium, Orlando, FL (FS1)
Wednesday, 3/30 - @ Costa Rica, 9:05 PM - Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica (Paramount+)
Opponents
Mexico in the Azteca. Not going to be easy. In terms of qualification, this match is relatively unimportant. With a short turnaround before the Panama match (the most important of the remaining) and difficult high-altitude conditions at the Azteca, it will be interesting to see if Berhalter decides to rest some first-choice players in Mexico City. Many have suggested running out a high-energy, physcial lineup to try and ugly our way to a draw and keep players like Adams (on a yellow card), Weah, Pulisic fresh for Panama. In the end, neither side really needs 3 points here - Mexico has Honduras and El Salvador as the other remaining fixtures. I expect both teams will scrap and play hard, but I think both sides will be satisfied and back off a little if the score is still level around 70 minutes.
Panama is the most important match we will play since the fateful day in Trinidad 4+ years ago. Panama opens the window with a home match against last-place Honduras, so they should be hot on our heels if we don't beat Mexico. I won't go into the various permutations yet because there are too many with 3 matches remaining, but suffice it to say that not winning this match would put a lot of pressure on an away win at Costa Rica (we've never done that before, BTW). USMNT has been very good at home and I expect a raucous crowd to push them over the line. But make no mistake, this is likely (barring a win at Mexico or other favorable results elsewhere) a must-win game to avoid the 4th place draw into the playoff with New Zealand.
Costa Rica has come on strong in recent times, surging up to 1 point behind Panama. We will know more about their chances after their first match against Canada, but they still have a chance at automatic qualification in 3rd place if we don't take care of business. I think their more realistic goal will be to pass Panama to grab 4th, but they are an experienced team with a tough home-field advantage. If Panama falters (they have Canada on the final matchday) and Costa Rica continues their strong run of form, we could be looking at a battle for 3rd place (and automatic qualification) in San Jose.
Table
- Canada- 25
- USA - 21 (+9 GD)
- Mexico - 21 (+6 GD)
- Panama - 17
- Costa Rica - 16
- El Salvador- 9
- Jamaica - 7
- Honduras - 3
Top 3 automatically qualify for 2022 World Cup, 4th place qualifies for intercontinental playoff vs. Oceania (likely New Zealand) in Qatar in June.
Injuries
- UPDATE: Sergino Dest subbed off today v. Galatasaray...looks like a hamstring
- Weston McKennie - Foot injury picked up in February for Juventus. Out for the season (very sad face).
- Gio Reyna - Reinjured after returning from long layoff stemming from injury sustained in September WCQ window. Recently returned to matchday squads with Dortmund. I think he will make the roster but he may be on a pitch count.
- Chris Richards - Foot injury picked up in last window. Has not returned to training with Hoffenheim. Unlikely to be included in the squad.
- Matt Turner - Foot injury picked up in preseason with New England. Not expected to be on the roster.
- Zack Steffen - Been out for a month with a shoulder injury, but recently returned to training. Barring setbacks, would expect him to be on the roster.
Hopefully none picked up (or worsened) this weekend!
Roster
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐛.🇺🇸Gregg Berhalter selects 27 players for the final three 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches » https://t.co/XUoH6QlfKW#USMNT x @BioSteelSports pic.twitter.com/yv8xUkZM1U— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) March 17, 2022
- Bello added to the roster to replace Dest (injured)
- Aaronson injured will not play (no replacement announced yet)
- Cannon COVID positive, Shaq Moore will be available for Panama/CR matches
Roster is set to be announced on SportsCenter at 6PM tomorrow (Thursday, March 17th)
My guess below. Honestly, I don't know, man. It's so hard to predict these with Gregg apparently.
GKs: Steffen, Johnson, Ethan Horvath
FBs: Dest, A. Robinson, Yedlin, Cannon, Bello (IDK, but I feel like there should be another LB), Scally/Shaq Moore?
CBs: M. Robinson, Brooks, Zimmerman, McKenzie
MFs: Adams, Musah, Lletget, Acosta, De La Torre, Busio, Roldan
Wings: Reyna, Pulisic, Aaronson, Weah, Arriola, Jordan Morris
STs: Pepi, Pefok, Ferreira
Just missed: Gabe Slonina (GK), Joe Scaly (FB), Aaron Long/Tim Ream (CB), Paxton Pomykal (MF), Josh Sargent/Gyasi Zardes (ST)
I usually try to limit to 28 because I don't think he's ever called in more than that. Ethan Horvath has started getting minutes for Nottingham Forest recently, just in time. Slonina is one for the future, but he might be called in just for experience. I would bring a 5th CB, but Berhalter doesn't seem to mind bringing only 4 CBs. Pomykal is off to a hot start in MLS, but it's unlikely he's involved for the first time with the senior team in this crucial window. But I like him and he's good. No real snubs on the wings. Zardes has lost his starting spot in Columbus to Miguel Berry and is reportedly on the trading block. Sargent is playing better, but I just don't see the point in calling in 4 strikers. I'd be fine if he's called though. Pefok is on a hot streak and I don't see any way he can be left off right now.
Summary
Not much left to say. 4 points would all but guarantee us 3rd place at least, so that's the target and is very doable, even likely. 3 points, as long as it's against Panama, would likely be enough, but we may drop to 4th. If I find a good article about all the possible permutations, I'll put it here. I fully expect us to get an automatic qualifying spot, but they've got to go out there and do it. Let's hope for a party in Orlando.
One last thing before I go - as stressful as this might be, I personally am going to try to savor these matches. With the expanded WC in 2026 and beyond, not to mention USA, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualify as host nations in 2026, this may be the last time that these games are really all that meaningful, at least for a while. Although the WC is the ultimate goal and those are the important matches, I really think the whole WCQ process is fun and provides many opportunities for discussion and benchmarking of the team's progress. Here's hoping we all enjoy the final day infinitely more than last time.
Comments
Looks like I'll be watching the two games on univision in spanish as I dont use paramount plus. Huge games that we need to get something from but no weston mckennie is a big deal and will be interesting/scary to see how we cope without him in the midfield.
I usually have to record the games anyway, and I always do the Spanish broadcast. It's way more fun anyway.
I hope, but do not expect, to lock up qualification next Thursday.
I do expect it next Sunday
I will be furious if I have to wait to the last match
Can we secure qualification on Thursday?
A win by us and a non win by Panama, and if Costa Rica does not defeat Canada, would clinch it for us
But if Panama draws match 1 they'll have 18. If they beat us and win their last match, they'd have 24. If we beat Mexico and lose the next two we would also have 24. Mexico could pass us as well. Then it would come down to GD for 3rd place. It's unlikely, but if Panama overtook us on GD we'd be 4th. So that's not clinched? Unless you're just talking about clinching at least 4th
4th. We could still advance
Okay, yeah. I really don't want to do the playoff...but it's better than the alternative.
Best way to get people excited about the upcoming World Cup is to......put games behind a paywall
It is stupid. But if you don't want to pay for it and since its the last round, sign up for a free trial for Paramount+ and then cancel after the games. I think there's some promo codes for like a month free out there floating around if you google them. Plus the new Halo TV series launches on there next week, might be worth sticking around for.
Or you can just Jack Sparrow it. *shrug*
T-mobile was giving away a free year of paramount+ while ago. Not sure if that is still going on, but I took advantage of it to finally see Picard
It does suck. I think TNT bought the rights for future games if I'm not mistaken. Not sure when that kicks in, maybe next cycle
I'm so excited for the Panama match! I will be there in the south end zone screaming my head off! We desperately need 3 points from that match and I think we will get them. As an Orlando City fan, I'd love for Daryl Dike to be on the roster, (the pop he'd get would be deafening!) but I don't think he will be included.
As long as we beat Panama and Costa Rica doesn't beat Canada, we will clinch a spot no matter what is happens.
🇺🇸⚽️
I think Dike is still injured unfortunately. Enjoy the match!
Ugh, Dest subbed off with an apparent hamstring injury in Barcas Europa League match v. Galatasaray...not a good sign.
- Going to have to call a replacement for Dest. Unless his injury isn't severe, but it sure looked like it was. Scally makes the most sense since he can play right and left as Dest can. But there were reports that Gregg doesn't rate him.
- Looks like Brooks is definitely done. Erik Palmer-Brown is a left-footed CB having a nice season in France. I imagine Robinson and Zimmerman will get nearly all the minutes though.
- No Lletget is the only surprise in midfield. And he's actually been playing well to start the MLS season. Guess he's done too.
- The forward line is exactly what I predicted, so no comments here. Would expect Pepi to start v Mexico and Ferreira against Panama.
Why would Ferreira start against Panama? It's the biggest match of all of WCQ and he plays more like a false-9, which is completely counter to how we typically play. I think Ferreira is the 3rd striker behind Pepi and Pefok.
Edit: Also, we have so many wingers in the roster (and so few midfielders), I wonder if this is the chance we get to see Reyna as an 8. Even if it's for limited minutes since he's returning from injury.
I just think Berhalter likes that Ferreira can drop and connect play. He was very good at that against El Salvador, created a lot of good opportunities. Depends on results of first matches, but I imagine Panama will be playing fairly conservatively, and a "lock-picker" like Ferreira will be useful.
Agree on Reyna but his fitness is limited. If he does play in midfield, it won't be all match.
Maybe not. Berhalter comments from roster release suggest he's planning to start Pefok v. Panama. Also does make some sense if they're anticipating a cross-heavy approach.
https://theathletic.com/3193396/2022/03/17/the-usmnts-big-questions-ente...
I think Pefok being in such good form is going to be a lifesaver for this team during this window. Sure, it's the Swiss league, but he fits perfectly into the (limited) way Berhalter wants to attack - overload the flanks with your wingers and fullbacks and get crosses in. I don't think it's the best approach with our player pool, but at least we'll have a striker that fits that game plan.
See, I disagree that he fits with Berhalter's ideal tactics. I think that's why he hasn't been called up since September. I think Berhalter ideally prefers a forward who can combine well with the midfielders and put other attackers in good positions with creation. However, we have seen the team resort to "cross and inshallah" when Plan A isn't working. In that sense, Pefok is perfect. But I think when (if) the team is playing in their ideal way, he isn't a great fit. He isn't very good on the ball and he doesn't press well - which is a big part of our chance creation.
That's why I think he really likes Ferreira. But, we need goals and Ferreira hasn't quite added that to his game yet. I think he's very good at the other stuff so if he could score goals at a decent rate he'd be getting a big money move. So, I think (and hope) Pefok will continue his good form. And I want Pefok here and in Qatar because I think a poacher is good to have. But he has big pieces missing to his game that are important for what I think Berhalter wants in a striker.
Bello added to the squad to replace Dest
Dest hurt now too? UGH. With all these injuries going in, I'm preparing myself for disappointment
I kiiiinda am too??? I hope y'all rub it in my face and tell me how wrong I am... but if we lose at Mexico and look flat the first half of Panama I'm gonna be nervous and cussing at my tv.
I've seen this movie before. It does not end well.
Idk why, I'm not nervous at all. This group seems to get really up for Mexico. I don't think they'll come out flat. They know the stakes, I think they'll be ready. These kids have some fire in them.
Ferreira hat trick!
Aaronson pulls out of today's RB Salzburg match with "knee problems"
At least all the new injuries are in different positions?
Am I the only one concerned we will fall flat on our faces, and have a 4th place qualifier to worry about in a couple of months?
I think it's natural to feel that way after what happened last time. I just find it hard to believe this group of players will come out with three bad performances when they know how high the stakes are.
You aren't the only one, but with this past summer and where we stand so far, maybe you shouldn't be quite as worried. I believe we will be one of the top 3 however it shakes out.
I think it's important to remember that we >99% qualify with a win at home against Panama. And we have literally won every home game so far except the first one, a 1-1 draw v. Canada. It's definitely going to be a little nervy with the fixtures ordered in the way they are, but we'll be fine IMO.
We didn't beat Panama on the road with our best team after a long travel day. I'm not so sure we win in Orlando.
I mean, no. That's not what I said. But both our results and eye-test playing have been nearly perfect at home.
I know, I'm responding that Panama is fully capable of beating the US. They'll do it in Orlando this time.
Maybe. It's not like they ran us off the field in Panama. It was an ugly game and they got an own goal off a set piece. I just find it very difficult to believe that the USMNT is going to not show up in a do-or-die game at home after what happened last cycle. Unless they gas themselves trying to win in Mexico, I'm very confident they beat Panama.
That's exactly what concerns me. Arriola wrote in the Players Tribune 4 years ago, the team was gassed going into Trinidad. The injuries are piling up. I'd be shocked if we bounce out of Mexico with a draw. But if we follow that with a loss to Panama at home, we're in trouble. We haven't won in Costa Rica. And we won't this time either.
Maybe my concerns are just that, concerns, and everything will be fine, and we'll qualify this year. Maybe.
I get it, I do. However, I don't think people actually remember everything that happened last time that went into us missing out. Obviously, we lost to T&T thanks to a ridiculous 1 in a million own goal and a 40-yard worldie. Other factors like the field conditions and fatigue went into play, but we were also very unlucky.
Then, Panama beat Costa Rica thanks to a goal that never actually crossed the line and Honduras beat Mexico 3-2 to grab the playoff spot.
That was the end of an old, slow, and technically poor generation of USMNT players. I am not saying it will be perfect this time around, but the pivotal match is at home against a Panama team who, despite having good results thus far, is not actually very good. This group of players is hungry with something to prove. They understand what is at stake. It will be catastrophic if we miss the WC twice in a row. They know this. I just cannot imagine a scenario where they come out flat in Orlando.
Nobody is really talking about the 3rd game because we don't want to consider the scenario where it matters, but Costa Rica is a very old team. I'm not sure how well they will fare in the final match of a 3-game window at the end of a grueling qualification campaign. I don't think we will need a result, but it is not impossible.
we wouldn't have lost if Arena had simply put in Fresh legs. everything else would not have mattered
That's extremely debatable...
Not at all alone. With all the injuries piling up, my concern has grown exponentially
The bright side is even if we have to play in the playoff, the best team we would have to play would be New Zealand, who just beat Papua New Guinea 1-0, and Fiji 4-0.
This would be a low rate afternoon MLS match on FS1, where FuckLAFC takes the win on some goalmouth scramble after a botched corner. Somehow, it'll be Zardes' fault.
Watching all our squad depth take a bit hit the last few weeks and I'm beginning to get nervous about getting caught by 4th place. Tough games in tough places and now Aaronson is out whos been very good. Need to wrap Weah in bubble wrap along with tyler adams until the game at the azteca. Also am I surprised there has been little talk leading up to the mexico team about the serious fighting that occurred in Liga MX between some teams fans?
To all the nervous nellies out there.
Time to take our nerves and put them into Mexico.
They will remember the night they played the Stars and Stripes.
Make them sweat the last two games
Love the energy, lol. But really doubt Mexico will be sweating. If US has like 98% chance to qualify or something, Mexico has 99. They will easily qualify even if we beat them - v. El Salvador and Honduras. Honduras is eliminated and ES likely will be by the time they play Mexico.
Important point though, US has a 98% chance to qualify
well - hate to be a negative nancy but I don't have a good feeling
Reggie Cannon held out of training today for an inconclusive COVID test. Pretty much confirms Yedlin will start vs Mexico, probably was going to anyway.
If it turns out positive, they'll need to call in a replacement for the other matches. Probably Brooks Lennon since he's US-based.
Reports indicate Shaq Moore is traveling to the US to meet up with the squad ahead of the Panama match.
I won't be able to stay up to watch the game live tonight because I'm a lightweight, but I will post news and lineups leading up to kickoff. Here's my predicted 11:
Steffen; Yedlin - Zim - M. Rob - A. Rob; Adams - Acosta - Musah; Pulisic - Pepi - Arriola
Hopefully Gregg uses his subs well and gets Musah, Pulisic and Adams off if possible. Hoping for a Pepi goal to really rub salt in the wound for him choosing US over Mexico. However, my prediction is a 2-0 loss. Hopefully we don't get too tired doing it.
FYI for those of you with Xbox Game Pass and want to watch the next couple games, you can claim a 30 day trial of Paramount+ in your perks.
Edit: works even if you've used a free trial before
I was going to do so today just to watch Halo, but this is a nice bonus
I think anyone can get a 7 day free trial, which is also enough to watch all the games if you get it today.
At least we're not Italy
Don't tempt fate
Simbalaughinfacedanger.gif
Not yet I'm not jinxing it by even joking about Italy being out again. Don't wanna eat humble pie after laughing at Italy so I'll simply say I get how they feel
Well that's a full strength lineup if I've ever seen one. We're going for it man
Goddammit this lineup is gonna make me stay up late to watch now
Panama up 1-0 over Honduras after 23'
USA! USA! USA!
🇺🇸⚽️
Christ that was close
Panama chokes at home and draws to last place Honduras. Unfortunately CRC is up on Canada at halftime and Canada's playing with 10 men.
Reyna and Pefok checking in
Pepi and Weah off
Fucking Hell Pefok. That should have been easy
Palmer-Brown getting his first competitive cap and Long returning from injury
Looks like we're going for the nil-nil
Nil-Nil it is.
Should have left with 3 points, but I'll take the 1. Pefok and Pulisic absolutely should have buried their chances.
Need to draw Sunday to guarantee 4th.
A win with a CR loss or draw gets us to Qatar.
A draw Sunday and a CR loss gets us to Qatar.
Just punch the fucking ticket.
Was that worth staying up till midnight? Not really both teams were not very good I was really surprised to see how poor mexico were. How Pulisic and Pefok miss their chances I still dont know. Pulisic has to score there and his effort was tame and Pefok I still cant figure out what he was even trying to pull off. Hope this doesnt rattle his confidence as we are going to need someone to step up and score a goal at some point. Really would like to see Pulisic pass the ball more he draws too much contact and there were a few times where he just kept the ball instead of passing and keeping a move going. Ugly game no real better team but the US had quality chances. Mexico were so poor and a bunch of flops unsurprisingly they got into great positions and invoked the lord of diving, neymars spirit instead of playing for a goal.
Costa rica winning in canada is not good news and to me makes the panama game even more important now. Also that was a horrendous call on Mark Anthony for a second yellow peak concacaf if you ask me.
Bleh. Feels weird to be disappointed with a point at the Azteca, but it was there for the taking. Pulisic chance was tougher than it looked I think, but Pefok...yikes bud.
I love Gio Reyna so much.
Honduras did us a favor, but of course Canada picks now to lose their first game. Stick to hockey guys.
This is not quite the worst case scenario because at least we drew and Panama drew, but Musah and Acosta went 90, Pulisic went 80, Adams went 80. Weah and Yedlin miss next match with cards. We better be ready on Sunday because we went for it and didn't get it, even though we should've. Did I mention that I love Gio Reyna?
More thoughts:
- That was a stupid yellow card from Yedlin. Totally unnecessary and now he misses the next match. Not to mention the huge risk he was carrying for the rest of the match.
- I have no idea how Edson Alvarez avoided a second yellow. He had at least 3 yellow-worthy tackles after his first yellow.
- Mexico created a decent amount of danger that didn't lead to shots, but we out xG'd them 1.24 - 0.4. Without our best player (McKennie) at the Azteca. Maybe Mexico is just getting old and we have their number, but this team is pretty darn good.
- We did not need to tire out our first choice 11 for that first half. I would have preferred to bring Pulisic on with Reyna in the second half. But I will say, credit to Berhalter. I don't always agree with his decisions, and he still made some odd choices tonight, but the team was in position to win that game. Better finishing luck and that's our first ever non-friendly win at the Azteca. Having said that, he will rightfully be roasted if we look flat and drop points against Panama because everyone is tired.
- We really need a striker to step up and start scoring goals. If none of them are going to score, we should at least start Ferreira who can facilitate and create chances for others. Pepi was anonymous (not necessarily entirely his fault) and Pefok, who was brought in for his incredible goal-scoring form, missed a sitter (how do you not even get that on frame?!).
- I really don't want to go to Costa Rica and have to score a goal on Keylor Navas because he is an alien.
- Shout out to Zack Steffen. Thought he was very good on the night. Didn't have a ton to do, but he handles everything well and was strong with his feet. He had one amazing ball that he dropped cross field at the attacking penalty area right on someone's foot.
I was really impressed with the team last night. Not just for their performance on the pitch, but with Berhalter's tactics and willingness to play an XI with the intention of winning, and frankly we should have. Between the Pulisic and Pefok chances we really should have found the back of the net, and ultimately we fell victim to some unfortunate finishing variance. We pressed, and played with an eye to to possess and advance the ball quickly up the pitch very well for the most part, though not for prolonged periods, and not through long balls (until the end, obviously). We gave Mexico space in doing so, but still managed to close down and defend well when they managed to exploit into that space. Mexico took a lot of shots, but it was mostly low% long range attempts from Chucky.
It was really refreshing to see us operating tactically in such a modern way. Watching the fullbacks tuck inside during possession and act as midfielders, the attacking mids/forwards receiving the ball in the half-spaces, playing on the half-turn, etc. Such an immense improvement in quality of play from even just a few years ago.
Super impressed as well. Greg gets some heat (deserved at times) but imho he nailed it last night. Feels like we are a real goal threat from (gulp) being a threat at a World Cup finals.
Mexico on the other hand...woof. Those guys are in the desert. Martino seems like a hack.
Funny thing is a lot of fans wanted him for the US job. He seemed like a perfect fit for Mexico. IMO, he needs to move on from some of the older players and let the younger generation take over.
Hopefully for our sake they keep him because Gregg seems to have his number.
More about Tata, he's not traveling to their next match because of a recent surgery to correct a detached retina. I'm curious to see how they look on Sunday in light of that news.
(Also, I hope he's ok and has a speedy recovery.)
If he was on the field I'm sure he's fine. He just can't fly because they inject a gas bubble into your eye to hold down the retina. The bubble will reabsorb but you can't fly for a while as it will expand in flight. Source: am optometrist
What are your thoughts on Dr Gaucomflecken?
I still liked that we tied. Mexico fans were booing
I liked that I could hear USA USA USA chants at Azteca
Absolutely. We looked like the better team and Mexico fans were not happy. Mexican press is once again calling for Tata's job. Apparently Mexico fans were also "Ole"ing during Reyna's huge run through the entire Mexican defense.
Very impressed with Reyna, not impressed with Acosta, his set pieces and balls from 25 yds out were terrible. Thought Pepi should have stayed in with Reyna, he seemed to be making the most of the few chances he was provided. Should have won that one, but liked the flashes I saw on offense and the consistent defense.
Acosta had been very good with set pieces previously. Did not think he did a good job the other night.
Not sure what chances of Pepsi's you're talking about. I honestly don't remember him having a single chance. Pefok obviously missed his. I don't think it was ever going to be a good night for whoever was playing. Conversely, I think whoever plays against Panama will look very good. Doesn't necessarily mean they are markedly better than other options.
They played a few long balls to Pepi that he showed a good burst and ability to corral and keep the attack going, did not get much chance in front of the net. I was just glad to have someone on the front that could keep control by means other than back to the net and hold for reinforcements.
The Table:
1 Canada 25 pts, +13 GD
2 USA 22 pts, +9 GD
3 Mexico 22 pts, +6 GD
4 Costa Rica 19 pts, +2 GD
5 Panama 18 pts, +1 GD
6 El Salvador 10 pts, -7 GD
7 Jamaica 8 pts, -7 GD
8 Honduras 4 pts, -17 GD
Today's Slate:
#1 Canada vs #7 Jamaica
#6 El Salvador vs #4 Costa Rica
#2 USA vs #5 Panama
#8 Honduras vs #3 Mexico
My ideal scenario:
USA W by 3
CAN L by 1
MEX L by 1
CRC W by 3
USA and CAN tie for #1, MEX and CRC tie for 3rd going into the last match.
My ideal scenario is a US win and for Costa Rica to not win. That will clinch us a spot. Doesn't matter if we are first, second or third. Anywhere in the top 3 is good for me.
I want Mexico to sweat
Lineups should be out in about 30 minutes. My prediction:
Steffen; Moore-Zim-MRob-ARob;Adams-LDLT-Reyna;Pulisic-Ferreira-Arriola
Moore has to start with Yedlin out on yellow cards. Same with Arriola. Maybe Reyna starts at RW instead, but I'd rather see him in midfield over Busio. US wins 3-0, goals from Pulisic, Ferreira and Zimmerman.
Also, go El Salvador!
I'm counting this as mostly correct so far since Zim drew the penalty...
Got it right except Musah keeps his spot over Reyna. Must still be fitness concerns. Let's go!
CRC still leading 2-1 in the 89th minute. If they hold on to win, the only way the USMNT qualifies for the auto-bid (not playoff) today is with a win and a Mexico win. With a win and any other Mexico result, they would qualify for the playoff at least, but hold a significant GD advantage for one of the auto spots.
Final. USMNT cannot officially clinch an auto bid tonight unless Mexico loses to Honduras. Can still clinch at least a playoff (and still a likely auto) with a win.
Even if Mexico loses, we can still only clinch a playoff spot, because all three of the US, Mexico, and Costa Rica could end on 25 points, and then it would be a goal differential tie-breaker.
You are right, I was looking at the wrong section on the chart. My bad. But either way, we're going to have a massive GD advantage at this point.
Yep. The only problem is that since we're playing CR, our GD is essentially halved, but this game is helping tremendously.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL
x2
Dos a Cero EEUU
GOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
USA 3-0
3-0 USA
Didn't see anyone posting so I logged in, glad you're on top of it
Channel selections suck.
I'm on TUDN
I'm in Spanish, too fast most of the time but I hear "Zimmerman" and other names sometimes, and GOL! translates well
GOL! translates in any language
Falta = foul
Peligrosa = dangerous
Preocupada = worry
Cuidado = caution
Geez man, I put my kid to bed for 15 minutes...looks like we're gonna be okay folks
Penalty good, Pulisic second penalty goal
USA 4-0
Bit of a soft penalty, but that's home crowd advantage for you. Pulisic slots home his second of the night. We're going to Qatar (unofficially)!
gettin' chippy before the half
As is tradition in concacaf, to be fair. Definitely would like to see Pulisic, and Adams to avoid yellow card accumulation, taken off
Doubt they're playing in the last match anyway at this point.
Mexico still 0-0 at the half. If anyone is rooting for chaos, Mexico can still go to the playoff. They're currently +3 GD over CRC. If Mexico loses, CRC could get the last auto spot if CRC overtakes them in GD by beating us by enough. We are currently +13, Mexico is +6 (would decrease if they lose), and CRC is +3.
Mexico up 1-0
Why put Reyna on? And leave Pulisic on? Arriola only played 45? I'm so confused. If someone gets hurt....
Man what a game. If pulisic would acknowledge the runs Robinson is making down the left he would do us some good though
GOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!
3rd goal for Pulisic with some good footwork in the box
5-0 USA
Would've been cool if Pulisic played like this before now, but better late than never!
Hat trick should seal it hell of a game. Ow let's get some guys off for rest and go beat Costa Rica
A soccer game started, now a discussion of Top Gun is happening
This should be tagged NSFW, just filthy by Pulisic
There was only one person on the pitch last night that could pull that off. And he did. World class goal. He came to play last night and I loved it.
I'm not a soccer expert, and I wasn't able to watch the game live. So I have kind of an embarrassing question.
Why did Panama decide not to play a goalkeeper against us? Is it some sort of reverse psychology strategy or something?
I know this is a joke, but I can't stop thinking about how funny it would be to have a permanent empty-net situation at the end of game when trailing like they do in hockey. It's extremely unpractical since you'd be doing this to score at least one goal and send the game to extra time when you'd want a GK on the pitch so you'd need at least 2 subs remaining to make this decision. But it would be funny.
Maybe Pep will just start playing Ederson at CB.
If it's a one goal match or a tied match at the close and a team gets a set piece they'll frequently have the gk run up to try and get a head on the ball. I think Alisson for Liverpool scored a winner with this strategy once. This is about the only time the keeper isn't without 30 m of their own goal
Panama pulls one back. GD still pretty good
Bullshit way to spoil a clean sheet
Final, 5-1. Been waiting for a game like that! Bar a catastrophic loss in CR, we're going to Qatar. We can place top if Canada loses and we make up a 4 GD deficit, so unlikely.
Catastrophic wouldn't even begin to describe it.
We'd have to lose by 11
Lose by 6. Goal by CR equals a negative to the US.
fair
I'll take the dominant win even if they lost the shutout
Play the same game Wednesday and we'll all be happy
I was there and it was glorious FAM! Pulisic got his hat trick right in front of me. Their goal was BS but we still won by 4! +10 GD going into the last match. We are going, we are going, we are going to Qatar! 🇺🇸⚽️🇺🇸⚽️🇺🇸⚽️
Man, we should start celebrating, should being the operative word.
If we forfeit, we only lose by 3, I'm just saying, right Taylor?
Well it's all but official
The USA is headed to the Persian Gulf
...
Wait.
Finally can exhale. We're going to Qatar*
*If we somehow blow it, burn US Soccer to the ground and excommunicate every single person involved with the team from the country.
Like it was said above, we'd need a 6 goal loss to Costa Rica and a loss in the ICPO
I'm just covering my bases since it's still not mathematically 100%, but we're in. CR has scored 11 goals in 13 games. Half their players would pull a muscle trying to score 6 goals. If they scored 2, I'm pretty sure we would just park the bus for the rest of the game.
Also, I saw a tweet from a Costa Rican account saying that they might even rest a few of their key players that are on yellow cards. They know they're not catching either us or Mexico on GD and if any of them pick up yellows, they will miss the playoff match v. New Zealand. So I wouldn't be surprised if this was a fairly boring affair with both teams just kind of kicking it around the park.
Wouldn't the yellow cards reset as that isn't part of CONCACAF qualifying (I think?). Yellow card accumulation is just for the octagonal I thought.
Since the playoff match is still qualifying, it might matter for that one game before the WC starts...
I'm not sure of the rules, but this tweet seems to imply that they do not reset. It's crazy that they don't reset even once throughout 14 games! of qualifying and then an additional game for the playoff, but CONCACAF gonna CONCACAF. Side note, extremely impressive that Tyler Adams has avoided picking up a yellow card since bodying Mark Anthony Kaye at home vs. Canada in September (which was, while enjoyable, unnecessary). For playing the position he does, that is crazy.
Costa Rica is asking FIFA if cards reset for the playoff match. If they don't reset, they are planning to play their backups it looks like.
Pulisic's third goal last night was truly one of the greatest I have ever seen from an American player in international competition. Suppose this is the beginning of a golden era for the USMNT. I may remember that as the first great moment.
For the USMNT, the first I remember was Donovan's against Algeria
For the USWNT, it was the OT cross by Rapinoe to Wambach against Brazil
That cross will forever be one of my favorite soccer memories, absolutely incredible goal at the literal dying seconds of a game (which wouldn't have been still going without some BS time wasting by the brazillians)
That Donovan goal was amazing! The throw by Howard to start the break was perfect.
Howard was a stud. We were spoiled having his caliber of play for that many years. Many folks that were introduced to the USMNT when it got bigger on our TVs didn't understand how great he was. It was awesome watching him in his prime and his energy. Helped usher in the push that the US was attempting to do in our country with the youth on the pitch.
I began playing goalie in the 7th grade, fall 2010. This was shortly after the the 2010 World Cup. I will always remember Howard for his performance against Belgium in the 2014 World Cup, though.
The Secretary of Defense?
I remember being a ball boy with my youth team during the qualifiers before the famous Mia Hamm and Brandy Chastain WC win with that epic Scurry save in the PK win. I still have the hats they sent us afterwards. Brings back memories reading this thread.
I remember both of those goals vividly. The Donovan goal was the summer between the 6th and 7th grade for me. I was going insane because I understood the standings and what was at stake while no one else in the house did. The Wambach goal was the next summer. I was watching the game with my buddy and my dad. My dad went outside for a second to take a call because he thought the game was over. Then my buddy and me started going crazy and my dad ran back into the house. Good times.
Every time I hear that "OHH CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?! GOAL GOAL USA!!" I get chills.
I was playing hooky from work and watching the game in a NYC bar close by with a coworker. It was standing room only. The place went ballistic when Donovan scored. One of the truly great sports moments of my life.
For the rest of my life I don't think I'll be able to hear that call (or Andres Cantor's) of that goal and not tear up a little. Gets me every time. And I find myself randomly watching it once or twice a year lol
Hmm...I will use this as an excuse to find the best goals and some I think are better than Pulisics - which was admittedly a very smooth goal.
And I know it wasn't a particularly difficult finish in the end, but this will always be my favorite:
Edit: Reply fail...
I was in Manaus when Jermaine scored that goal. Unreal moment.
Damn, that team had a legit shot. The Belgium game was intense. If Wondo scores, who knows. I think we beat Argentina and go toe to toe with Holland. Worst case 3rd place. But oh how it could have been.
Right there with ya! The Wondo miss is my all-time "what if" moment USMNT.
That is a bold claim. I do not agree, but it would've been fun to watch.
What's bold about it? We almost beat Belgium in regulation.
Argentina played a shit tournament, and got really lucky to advance. We play em, we beat em. Dempsey was playing out his mind, Howard was playing out of his body.
Meanwhile, the Dutch barely survived Costa Rica, and our style of play would have matched up perfectly.
But what ifs didn't happen... Let's qualify tonight.
I just think it's bold to say that "worst case" we would've finished 3rd in the World Cup if we'd won a game which we certainly could have won, but in which we were definitely not the better team. And that we would have easily defeated one of the worlds top teams with the best player in the world at the height of his powers.
It was a decent team and anything can happen in a knockout tournament. But it's not like we were ever going to get a tactical masterclass from Klinsmann and Dempsey was our only dangerous attacker.
Having been coached by Bruce for weeks at different points growing up, I'd always stand by him. A hill I'm willing to die on. Great coach and cares about his players. Love to see him in that Bradley video.
I'll just leave this here...DEUCEEEE
So, this is interesting. I was feeling like this Wednesday match was going to be meaningless and it probably will be. BUT. Because Italy lost (lol) and will not make the world cup, we have a very small chance to sneak into Pot 1 for the WC draw. This means we would (in the eyes of the FIFA rankings) be the best team in our group.
The scenario we need is as follows:
- Portugal must lose on Tuesday to North Macedonia (Portugal would not qualify for the WC)
- Germany must defeat the Netherlands in a friendly (also on Tuesday)
- Mexico must draw or lose to El Salvador
- USMNT must defeat Costa Rica
Very, very long shot of all that happening, but could be something interesting to watch out for. Mexico and USMNT matches kick off at the same time, but we will know the result of the European matches. With Mexico looking less than their best, it could be a factor in lineup decisions if it is still in play.
Would you rather be seeded and have a 12.5% chance of drawing Netherlands or not and have a 12.5% of drawing Qatar?
Rather be seeded. Just because Netherlands is in our group doesn't mean the other teams are good. Also, Qatar isn't that bad! They were very good in the Gold Cup. I think they are going to surprise a lot of people.
This is an impressive list. Reminds me of when my dad and I sat down and wrote out everything we needed to happen to make the national title in 2007 with a few weeks left in November, and everything happened (somehow, praise team chaos) except Tennessee throwing a pick six to LSU while leading in the 4th Q of the SECCG.
Arriola not training today due to groin injury suffered in first half v Panama. Wouldn't expect him to play. Cannon back training after positive COVID.
What are we expecting for the lineup tonight? I can't see Reyna, Pulisic, Adams, Musah, and Arriola playing tonight. Ferreira and Shaq Moore looked really crampy at the end of last match. Zimmerman and Antonee Robinson deserve a break I think.
I also think Steffen deserves a break. He took a bit of a beating early in the Panama game.
He needs game time, though, since he rarely plays for City. I think whoever starts we'll see a lot of 60ish minute subs for rotation.
I think it will probably be Steffen because he is Berhalters' #1 and there's no reason not to play him unless he picked up a knock. GKs don't really need "rest" IMO. But, I don't think he needs game time for US because we have no important matches upcoming. This is the end of the cycle and we don't have another match scheduled until June. And Berhalter has shown he clearly doesn't care if his #1 is playing regularly as long as he is playing occasionally if it's at a top club.
I think Berhalter will recognize that we are through, even if the message to the team has to be "job's not done." I think he'll rest guys who need rest but I don' think he'll hold out starters if they feel good to go. In his press conference, he told the story of how he got called for a handball that actually hit his face when they played there in 2000. CR got a penalty and won the match. He probably would like to get the first competitive win in CR.
Steffen; Cannon-Zim-Long-ARob; Adams-LDLT-Busio; Pulisic-Pepi-Weah
I would pretty much just play all the backups though.
While getting the additional 2 points at Azteca would have been amazing, earning the draw, then crushing Panama was just what we needed.
I would have loved to have been in position to win the Octagonal on the final day, but we know we're all but qualified, and guaranteed of advancing to the ICPO at the very minimum. I know we can still win the Octagonal with a 3 goal win and a 2 goal loss by the Canadians, but I see neither of those happening.
We will see the USA in Qatar later this year, and that brings me satisfaction.
Would've been nice, but nobody remembers who "wins" the qualifying group. That said, go Panama!
Pretty strong lineup
Costa Rica is resting all their yellow card guys btw.
Thanks. Was trying to find that update.
0-0 at the half.
A perfectly boring half. 45 minutes to Qatar. Let's gooooooo!
Bit of a dull first half. Guys look tired.
US looks sloppy, Costa Rica looks hungry to start the second half
Edit:
Halftime announcers: the US is clearly the better team. They can win by one, by two, by three
Do these people never watch sports?
Holy mother of bed shitting.
Not saying we're in danger but they had an opportunity to seal the deal and make a statement and this is what we got,
That stadium was a tomb a few minutes ago.
I don't think this team gonna do much this world cup tbh
To me, a successful world cup is getting out the group stages, even if that is a loss in the first knockout round, the vital thing about this world cup is getting the youngsters exposure to the bright lights and pressure, then, when we have all these 20-24 year olds in their primes in 2026 and are at home we make our run
I'll admit, I don't watch a lot of soccer, but are we incapable of completing passes?
The announcers just keep going on and on about how great it is that we are back in the world cup and all I see is the us giving the ball away over and over.
This game was basically meaningless and the players have played 3 games in less than a week. It's not representative of how they play (most of the time anyway)
Ugly game. Great result! We are going to Qatar FAM! ❤️🇺🇸⚽️
This is nice. We have yet to get a result in CR, but we got what we needed tonight.
I don't like that with this being our top team, we didn't put away our chances. Pepi and co need to get their shooting boots on. We won't have a home game in Qatar.
Sliding ass backwards into the World Cup is still getting into it, right?
Right?
Bookmark this comment. We'll use it again when we get thrashed by Ghana in our first game, win our second, then draw our third and make it to the knockout rounds on goal differential.
*insert Immorten Joe mediocre gif here
LETS FUCKING GOOOOOOO TIME TO WIN THE WHOLE DAMN THING FAM
Also Micah Richards is so much fun in football coverage
FIFA World Cup Finals Draw will be held Friday at Noon.
Pot 1:
Qatar, Belgium, Brazil, France, Argentina, England, Spain, Portugal
Pot 2:
Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Mexico, USA, Switzerland, Croatia, Uruguay
Pot 3:
Senegal, (winner Wales v Ukraine if Ukraine def Scotland), Iran, (Peru if Peru def winner of Australia v UAE), Japan, Morocco, Serbia, Poland, (Korea if Scotland, Australia, or UAE qualify), (Canada if Scotland and winner of Australia v UAE qualifies)
Pot 4:
(Korea if chalk), (Canada if chalk), Tunisia, Cameroon, (Scotland if they qualify) winner of Costa Rica v New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, (Australia or UAE if they qualify)
I'm ignorant of how the drawing works. I know they draw to set the groups for round robin play but not the actual procedure.
Do they draw four teams from Pot 1 to make up Group A and then the remaining teams from Pot 1 are Group B?
Or do they draw one team from each pot to make up Group A and then draw one team from each pot again to make up Group B and so forth?
One from each pot goes into each group.
Each group will contain one team from each pot. Pot 1 are the top ranked teams in FIFA (and hosts Qatar).
No group will have more than one team from a single confederation, except Europe. A group may have up to two European teams.
Edit: The rule preventing more than one team from a single confederation in a single group applies to potential playoff winners. So, even if New Zealand were to win their playoff, we could not be in a group with them because it might be (probably will be) Costa Rica.
The only other situation where this may be important for us is the Peru v. Australia/UAE playoff. If we draw a Pot 1 or Pot 3 team from South America or Asia, we cannot get those teams in Pot 4.
There are some general guidelines about drawing.
1. One draw from each pot
2. No more than 1 team from each Confederation, except UEFA
3. No more than 2 teams from UEFA
4. Cannot match with a team you have a major political issue with.
Oh, I never heard 4! Thanks!
North/South Korea don't get matched together
Israel/Palestine
Ethiopia/Eritrea
Former Yugoslavian teams
Russia/Ukraine, had they both already qualified at this point
On the plus side, we can't get paired with Netherlands, Denmark, or Germany in the group stage.....on the plus side.
(Still think this is a weaker field than the Euros.)
The Group of Death for us would be Belgium, USA, Senegal, Korea
Our best likelihood of winning the group would probably be Qatar, USA, Poland, Ghana
Overall Group of Death would be Belgium, Netherlands, Senegal, Korea
Not sure there is really much potential for a Group of Death this year. Now that the FIFA rankings aren't complete garbage, the pots seem more or less accurate. There are some dangerous teams in pots 3/4, but they are lacking the traditional powers that really make a GoD. There are a bunch of good teams which means there could be several pot 1/2 teams to get eliminated, but I don't think we'll see anything like our 2014 group (Germany, Portugal, USA, Ghana)
Certainly not the best game, and I understand people on Twitter/media will want to get their takes off about how bad the team is (as they do after every loss). But they didn't rotate at all this window. Of course they looked flat in the third game! Also, despite what the hall said leading up to it, this game did not matter and the players knew that. This game, and their 3rd place finish in the group, meant absolutely nothing except that they qualified. This game was the equivalent of a mid-tier bowl game where players wanted to play but are thinking about not getting injured for pre draft training.
I don't know how well we will do at the World Cup and a lot of it depends on our group. But drawing any meaningful conclusions from last nights game (except that Steffen is not good) is silly.
Edit: Also, despite the fact that this game was meaningless, US still scores at least 2 goals if not facing an alien goalkeeper
Doesn't build confidence going into group play at the WC.
They have nations league in June and September. It's not the same, but it's not like this is the last match they will play together before Qatar.
Point being this set up of 3 games is identical to the group stage set up. If we can't get thru 3 games here, it doesn't inspire confidence heading into those 3 games.
I know they are rankings...and bogus. And I know we traveled. But we are 15th and Costa Rica is 31st. Losing 2-0 is not a good result.
I think it depends a bit on the draw but I think getting out of the group stage would be a huge win for the USMNT. If we're honest with ourselves, the USMNT isn't a world class team right now. And, sadly, I think we're further from it than many would like.
Wholeheartedly agree. For every fantastic game we had this octagonal, there was an equal eye roll game, then the uninspired meh game as well. There are some tactical things Gregg is pushing that might play in the Gold Cup, but on the world stage, I have my doubts. And there's some proof from last night.
I just don't think last night's game can be used as a reliable analog for anything. "Hey guys, don't lose by 6 goals" is a lot different from the final group stage game at the World Cup. Not to mention playing 3 games in 6 days with thousands of miles of travel compared to 3 games in 12 days with minimal travel in Qatar.
The "Hey guys don't lose by 6" is the public facing narrative. Said repeatedly on the broadcast, those guys don't hear that broadcast. It's not piped into the stadium. It's not on banners. And if it is driven home by Gregg and the rest of USMNT staff, they need to be fired. If Gregg is going into that game with that sort of prep A) I'd be shocked. B) I'd be extremely pissed. C) He needs to be fired. That's not how they prepared for that game last night. Was it possible they let up a little bit knowing they were fairly safe? Maybe. But watching the game, that effort, although flat, wasn't really half hearted. Our flaws showed last night.
And, let's not forget that Costa Rica sat SEVERAL starters on cards for the playoff game. That wasn't their main squad. If you want to thumb your chest and have the opponent on the other side of the pitch fearful of whom they are facing, you need to go in there last night and either draw 0-0 or win for the first time ever. Right now, it's more of the same ol same ol USMNT...
Thank you. This team does not have the killer instinct outside of home games. We will have 0 home games in Qatar. They have got to step up to the plate.
The final World Cup draw will be on FS1, Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock at 1130 AM tomorrow. I'll share the results here, but FYI in case anyone wants to tune in.
Barring the time my plumber shows up, I will also be here watching live and commenting.
If anyone wants to play around with the simulations, here's a link: World Cup Draw Simulator
I got USA, England, Scotland, South Korea.
I wouldn't hate that.
boy that England - Scotland tie would be fun to watch
Get the fans of the first three drunk enough, they'd be mutually unintelligible.
If Scotland qualify, that's not terrible. More likely it will be Wales and they're a bit tougher. South Korea seems sneaky good. I think England are overrated as usual but they are still very good.
Maybe I'm just preparing myself for a tough draw, but I feel like US is better equipped to play against better teams, especially those who prefer to have the ball. From how we played against an organized defensive team like Canada who didn't mind letting us have possession to a Mexico who prefers to have possession, I think we might be better set up to press and create on the counter - more feasible against better teams.
The tricky thing is when you get a France or an England who is supremely talented, but plays a defensive, counterattacking style. That could be trouble for us if we can't improve our attacking chance creation.
I just Belgium, Morocco, Saudi Arabia. Probably one of the best case scenarios
Ughhhhh I got Brazil, Poland, and Ghana. That would be brutal.
Nice thread on just how unusual this USMNT is in terms of age/success. We might not get too far in 22, but 2026 could be real fun.
So young they're damn near virgins
empty the bench
Draw Time.
Watching on Telemundo
I loved how they were interviewing a bunch of kids who they thought would win and who will get golden boot
The official show has started, but who knows how long it will be until they actually start drawing names. My guess is at least noon
I loved the idea and presentation of Mascot-Verse
via GIPHY
I expect over the top, and this is giving me it.
The parts of the draw show before the actual draw:
via GIPHY
Nothing quite like FIFA making ethical pleas...
Lord have mercy, SHUT UP AND GET TO THE BALLS
I knew it would be bad, but this is worse than the NFL Draft.
I love how multiple people have been like "Now we know nobody is watching this for the speeches, so let's get on with it." And then proceed to...do something else that is not drawing
Oh, come on, something this big is worth milking the f&#k out of everything.
They're not even running ads!! It's all just filler!
Keep your bedroom talk to the bedroom.
Draw time
Okay, here we go. I think
Why is Jermaine Jenas doing the draw?
Okay cool, they also invited good players.
Draw finally actually happening
Leave it to the scorer to be direct and not play around
Ok, so which Pot do we want
If we get a later group, we have more time between start of club break and first match, so probably H.
Group A Group B Group C Group D Group E Group F Group G Group H
Qatar England Argentina France Spain Belgium Brazil Portugal
Now for the fun
USA
Bring on those bloody Brits!! We kicked their ass in 1812
with the help of France
1950 has joined the chat
ENGLAND
WE CAN STILL DRAW SCOTLAND OR AUSTRALIA TOO
WE GOT IRAN
Well, that's the Knockout Stage
OH, SHIT IRAN
Was that comma placement intentional?
This means US options for Pot 4 are down to Cameroon, Ecuador, Ghana, or Wales/Scotland/Ukraine
We're gonna fucking get Ghana
Scotland please
Wales/Scotland/Ukraine for Group B and the US
Final groups:
Doesn't look like there's a traditional Group Of Death this year. For the most part, its fairly balanced. G and H look the toughest but not in your typical "oh shit, that's rough" GoD way
USA vs England on Black Friday
Outside of landing Qatar's group, I think our draw came out about as best you can possibly hope for. England for sure is the favorite, but we got Iran and Wales/Scotland/Ukraine. No complaints there. More than capable of coming out of that group
Wales: AM I A JOKE TO YOU
Wales is no joke, they're the team of destiny. I think they advance if they make the group
Would have preferred Ghana just for banter and I don't think they're actually very good anymore. But yes, this is a very manageable (even winnable) group.
Overall, I think this is a good draw for the US. England is obviously very good, but I think we can definitely get a point and possible 3. Don't know much about Iran, but I think they'll be favored to be last in the group. Scotland is probably the worst of the 3 UEFA teams still alive, but obviously they have to win 2 to make it in (1 if Ukraine has to forfeit). Wales isn't great, but that could be a tough game assuming Gareth Bale doesn't get lost coming from the golf course on his way to the match.
G is a very tough group, C is a tricky group for Mexico, Canada could make it out of F, and H is kind of wide open.
Adding to say that apparently Iran topped their group (1 of 2 in Asia) in qualifying over South Korea. They lost only 1 match in the group (to South Korea) and were very close to advancing to the knockouts in 2018. Still think they will be picked last, pending winner of UEFA playoff, but they seem to be pretty good team with some players on notable teams like Bayer Leverkusen, Feyenoord, Porto, and Brentford. They shouldn't be taken lightly, so that's my bad for assuming they were not good.
Thanks everyone for following along with me for the last several months. I enjoyed writing about and discussing the team and I hope you all enjoyed watching as much as I did. Looking forward to watching Revolutionary War 3 on Black Friday!
USMNT currently has Nations League games scheduled for June and September and will likely find a spot for a friendly here and there. The Premier League (I assume other leagues will be similar) will pause the season starting November 14 for the World Cup, so not a lot of prep time between then and the opening day match against Wales/Scotland/Ukraine on November 21. Let's hope that all of our players get some good, solid rest this summer and get off to a hot and injury-free start to next season!
We got a ton of work to do to get to R16. We need to keep England close. A loss is almost inevitable, but if we can keep GD low, we're in good shape. Iran is very talented, and has the tools to get out of the group. I hope we don't get Wales. Not worried about Scotland. If Ukraine is in, they will have the whole world behind em, so....🫤
In the interim, I'll be ecstatic to watch them play in a World Cup for the first time in 8 years. I will enjoy all 270 minutes of these group games.
And yes, I'm taking the whole fucking week off.
Couple of takeaways:
- All of the groups are pretty difficult except A (by far the easiest) and D (why do the French always have a walk to the knockouts?)
- Group H is probably the hardest.
- Iran will not advance but they usually have a solid defense and steal a draw against someone good. We will get their best shot.
- Wales/Ukraine could definitely advance in our group, Scotland probably not.
- Saudi Arabia is going to get 5-0'd or worse in all three games.
Everyone saying Scotland ain't a challenge clearly hasn't watched them at all
I watch a ton of soccer including the Scottish premiership. Scotland is not a problem.
They should have won their last 2 games against Poland and Austria but lost their composure and drew both games. Also they are a very physical team. Something we don't deal good with
Scotland will be one of the worst teams in the tournament if they make it. They have some good players but they have no attacking firepower and the right side of their defense is bad. They will try hard and yes they will be physical, but we would still be favored to beat them.