Every cross at worst gives out guys a chance. At best it allows Jozy to shoot it right at the keeper.
The U.S.? Off and on for a couple decades. Historically it was for things like World Cup Finals and such. Now it's more common for any competitive game. I've seen it for friendlies. EDIT: Hmmm, more recent than I thought for the U.S. It started after the 2010 World Cup. I know England has done it for quite some time.
I appreciate negativity and pessimism as much as the next guy on the Internet, but so many posters on the US board are simply off-base and ignorant. They have no idea what they are watching.
It's in Russia. Given the current political situation in this country, do we really want to have to talk about Russia even more? If the US doesn't make it, it will be a blessing.