USA's chances in 2006

[desertfox2]

How quickly we all forget how close the US was from not making it into the hex in the 2002 WCQR. If results stood with about 30 minutes left in Barbados on Nov. 15th, 2000, there would have been no magical run into the quarterfinals in the Far East. Now even though it is true that we were in easily the most difficult group of the 3 in the semifinal round with costa rica and guatemala, it definitely could happen again. I still honestly believe that the US will still qualify for the 2006 WC Finals, but there still is that slight chance that we could "pull a Holland." Basically everyone including myself could not imagine Holland missing out of a WC finals, but look, they got a bad draw and that was the end of them. If things don't go the US's way in those 6 matches in the semifinal round, there is a chance that they could barely miss out. Now I still believe that the US will qualify and I hope they do, but you have to leave that possibility out there. Overall, I give US about a 97-98% chance of qualifying.

[DonHo]

Originally posted by Davids26
It is quite possible that CONCACAF will get 3.5 spots for the World Cup.

From http://www.soccerway.com/news/index.php?page=details&area=1040137211 :

"...In effect, South America gave their half place to Concacaf, the Central American and Caribbean region, who gained half a place on the back of strong performances at the 2002 World Cup by USA and Mexico.

As well as their existing three places, a fourth Concacaf country will play-off against the fifth-placed Asian nation for entry to the 2006 World Cup finals..."

[MLSNHTOWN]

As mentioned above so many are forgetting how close we were to being eliminated pre hex.

With injuries it is never easy.

I think this team will have more depth, but I think it will be alot less experienced. I know that sounds like a lot to take in, but when you factor in Reyna, Sanneh, Pope, Agoos, McBride, etc., you are going to lose some experience in 2006.

Granted, the younger guys replacing them are probably more talented, it never hurts to have experience when you play in Azteca and Saprissa and the Office.

I think the US will qualify. But nothing is for sure right now.

[Sachin]

Originally posted by MLSNHTOWN
As mentioned above so many are forgetting how close we were to being eliminated pre hex.

With injuries it is never easy.

I think this team will have more depth, but I think it will be alot less experienced. I know that sounds like a lot to take in, but when you factor in Reyna, Sanneh, Pope, Agoos, McBride, etc., you are going to lose some experience in 2006.

Granted, the younger guys replacing them are probably more talented, it never hurts to have experience when you play in Azteca and Saprissa and the Office.

I think the US will qualify. But nothing is for sure right now.

Right, but Costa Rica came even closer to not making it to the Hex. Hell, they LOST to Barbados.

Sachin

[Nate505]

The US is a lock to qualify in 2006, case closed. Especially since we have 3.5 spots instead of 3 this year.

[Nate505]

Originally posted by desertfox2
How quickly we all forget how close the US was from not making it into the hex in the 2002 WCQR. If results stood with about 30 minutes left in Barbados on Nov. 15th, 2000, there would have been no magical run into the quarterfinals in the Far East.

You mean the game we won 4-0?
Was there any doubt we weren't going to beat Barbados? I beat them combined 11-0 in the Hex...

[The Wanderer]

This is a joke, right? We were COMPLETELY ravaged with injuries this last qualifying cycle and we still got in! By 2005 we'll have more quality depth than ever. The new younger players also have a differnent attitude about ALWAYS playing to win and not being intimidated by anyone. This last team, believe it or not, had a group of players who would think that we wouldn't have a great chance to win in difficult situations.

[deejay]

It's a valid point. a lot of teams are very young and will be approaching maturity. Count Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Canada as one of those.

You can also include the US. we'll still have Reyna, Lewis, Pope, Freidel and Keller. O'brien, Donovan, Beasley, Mathis, Wolff and others will be at their peak. The ones that will be missing are Stewart, McBride and Agoos. Sounds pretty OK to me.

The one's who should worry are Mexico and Costa Rica. They have key players that will be getting older.

[KoRnNutZ1320]

how many rounds are there in qualifying for the WC... i had just started to follow soccer at the very beginning of the hex... i remember that 2-0 victory over mexico...*sigh*, good times! i still have a lot to learn and i am surprised of what i have already learned in only 2 years!...i think the US is as good as in but obviously there is that possiblity of still not making it. i am gonna be ready for WC 06' cuz this time i will be there for all 4 years!!!

[Bobplayed]

Okay i have just finished watching the Mexico qualifyer in Azteca (why? you ask, well i am watching every game from the begining of Hex to the end of the world cup... why? you ask.... i really don't know) anyway, i don't think many people recognize our injury problems durring hex, let me put it this way... our starting lineup against Mexico in that qualifyer had a grand total of ONE player in common with our starting lineup against Mexico in Japan/Korea (Tony Sanneh). Lets face it we probably won't have the same injury problems this time around, and even if we do we should be MUCH deeper this time around. And don't count out McBride for qualifying, i think he will get called into a couple games and may play a role in one or two, he will probably still be usefull against CONCACAF competition

[Chris_Bailey]

Originally posted by luvdagame
think holland 2002 guys! it definitely is possible (although not probable) that we don't qualify!!

We simply don't play in that hard a qualifying group. I'll think USA '06, instead.

[lasoccervegas2002]

Originally posted by efernandez9
possible problems: honduras and/or canada


we defetead Honduras 4-0 just before the WC, i'm not worry about this team anymore.

[Beakmon FC]

I love it...already talking about 2006! How good are some of the US youngsters going to be? Where is today's 16 year old who will emerge? Who isn't going to pan out?

Here's how I rank the region:
1. USA - without question, don't even dispute it
2. Mexico - if only because your overrated league is on six TV channels in LA!
3. Costa Rica - nice run in 2002. How will they 'age'?
4. Honduras - so close, but so far..was 2002 a fluke?
5. Guatemala - Te amo El Pescadito!
6. Jamaica - always entertaining, good for one home upset, but not enough for the long haul
7. Canada - some nice players, but has that team EVER actualy socred a goal????

[Pirrip]

Originally posted by Chris_Bailey
We simply don't play in that hard a qualifying group. I'll think USA '06, instead.

True, but you are simply not as good as Holland. However, Holland would have qualified if its group had 3.5 spaces. Deep pockets, 3.5 spots, and a comparatively strong pool (by CONCACAF standards) of talent below your top 20 means that Qualifying is far more likely than not.