The next World-Cup Qualifier for the USA will be on September 6, 2013, somewhere in Costa Rica. The two previous threads on this qualifier: https://www.bigsoccer.com/community/...usa-play-at-estadio-ricardo-saprissa.1985265/ https://www.bigsoccer.com/community/threads/us-may-not-play-at-saprissa-stadium-after-all.1988497/ beIN Sport has the broadcast rights in the USA, as noted, for example, here (though not yet on the U.S. Soccer website): http://bigstory.ap.org/article/bein-sport-air-time-warner-bright-house I actually may not be able to see this game as it airs, because of a prior commitment, depending on kickoff time. That makes me very grateful that it's at least not on closed-circuit television. If the USA wins against Costa Rica in Costa Rica, Mexico and Honduras draw in Azteca, and Panama fails to defeat Jamaica, the USA will immediately clinch direct qualification to the World Cup. If the USA wins against Costa Rica in Costa Rica, but Panama defeats Jamaica or Mexico and Honduras don't draw, the USA will clinch no worse than a playoff with New Zealand. If the USA fails to defeat Costa Rica in Costa Rica, the USA will not mathematically clinch anything immediately, although a draw will certainly be better than a loss. Details are here: https://www.bigsoccer.com/community/...rios-for-the-usa.1988736/page-2#post-28047353
If we had to choose one game out of the next two to drop points, it's this one, as I feel Costa Rica is much closer to qualifying anyway, than Mexico. If we are being routed, I would strongly consider removing Bradley and Altidore, as we cannot afford to lose this match, and then be without them for the home match against Mexico.
I don't know what is more disturbing; the premature posting of this topic, or you knowing you may have a potential conflict 3 months in advance.
It has just been confirmed that the match will be played at the Nacional: http://fedefutbolcr.com/c-e-ratifica-el-estadio-nacional-para-enfrentar-a-usa/ That is good news for us. Natural grass, track between us and the fans. Good stuff.
Ha, yes. It should be noted that Panama really took it to CR at the Nacional. In the first half they hit the post and had all the chances (CR didn't have a single shot on goal). They can be had there, imo, even if we'll still be ecstatic with a point and will be favorites to lose.
Wonder who will be playing (especially) right back and right midfield for the US in this match. Perhaps Gold Cup efforts and results (as well as at an Aug friendly in UEFA somewhere) and potentially as some summer transfers occur and as new club seasons begin, that could all impact the roster that JK takes to CRC in early Sept.
If we can draw at azteca we can draw at CR. It would be a big task admittedly but our strength is in center midfield and forward right now which will help us. I don't think the ticos can overrun our mf like they usually do, they might gain a possession advantage (in fact I expect them to do that), but I don't think they will gain complete control like they usually do. Likewise unlike in the past, our finishers are elite. Given an inch they will convert. Even in our losses in the past there were always 1 or 2 chances; usually not converted by our attackers. Again, I can't say I expect a win or tie but I don't think its out of the question this time.
These next two rounds for the US will be very interesting (perhaps that's way too obvious). Current standings after 6 rounds: 1) USA 13 points 2) Costa Rica 11 pts 3) Mexico 8 pts 4) Honduras 7 pts 5) Panama 6 pts 6) Jamaica 2 pts. On tap are a 1st place battle (CR-US), a 3d place battle (Mex-Hon), and a 5th place (shot at 4th place) battle (Pan-Jam). If all the home teams win, and all will be favored to win, then the standings will look like this after 7 games are complete: 1) Costa Rica 14 pts 2) USA 13 points 3) Mexico 11 pts 4) Panama 9 pts 5) Honduras 7 pts 6) Jamaica 2 pts And the subsequent 8th Round will be a real war. Costa Rica will be able to clinch with a win at Jamaica, Honduras hosts Panama in a massive battle for the 4th spot, and Mexico travels to the US and all the drama that will offer -- winner could clinch, but the loser has to be concerned about 4th place again. The drama level really rises in September, compared to June.
Honestly at this points all bets are off. New stadium, new atmosphere, I wouldn't be shocked if we put in a much better effort than our usual get our ass kicked in Saprissa effort.
As would I. A question was posed in the CONCACAF forum whether this makes a difference at all. I think it absolutely does and anyone who pretends like this is some non-news is kidding themselves when it comes to the U.S. playing in CR. Not only because this has been a cycle for firsts for us, but I think psychologically this should be a slight boost. Playing on natural grass over the turf at Saprissa is a big deal and will help us play our game.
What's the weather like in CRC in early Sept? Will it be hot (or "uncharacteristically" unbearable) as was the case in Honduras in Feb? Could CRC set a mid-day start time to try to gain some advantage, or is a "primetime" evening match start time the most likely?
San Jose is in a mountain valley (3600 feet I think). I haven't looked it up, but I'd guess it's like 70 degrees average, whereas San Pedro de Sula is on the coast in Honduras.
Denver had a March snow-storm to welcome los Ticos in this Hex, so I'd imagine San Jose gets hit with a rare tropical storm and the match is played in 2-3 inches of rainfall during the game. (The US will file a protest in the proper manner and allotted time, but FIFA will claim the on-field puddles weren't that big or disruptive.)
This. San Jose, like Guatemala City and Mexico City, is at altitude and thus very mild. It'll be humid, but given that the September record high in San Jose is 86 degrees, it's pretty much impossible that it will anywhere near as hot as it was in Jamaica and Honduras.
Wow. this is too good to be true. Feels like a setup. If not, thanks Ticos. The track will make a difference. That is unless the Tico federation pulls a fast one and reverts back to Saprissa, goes to Limon, or builds a temporary seating close enough to smell what the players had for lunch. September is one of the rainier months of the year on the Pacifico and mountains of Costa Rica. So San Jose could be a downpour Estadio Saprissa Estadio Nacional