Canada has a golden generation I think they could finish in the top 3 and Costa Rica manages to show up as well no matter how bad they look going into qualifying. A hex would have been more interesting given the spots on the line but I am glad they fixed the awful way they had teams qualifying before. Easily the most competitive concacaf qualifying ever and the last few were very close. The only thing that will likely make this less dramatic is several countries will either already be out or in on the final day
I agree with the Panamanian. I think the top 3 is pretty clear. CR is in a weird state of limbo now that they've fired ole boy after the CNL. Yea, Canada might have a golden generation but I don't think it'll be enough to get an automatic spot.. their defense is super suspect and basing off their two performances against Haiti, I'm not entirely convinced they're there yet. They'll be a tough go tho, fasho. I think Jamaica is a real dark horse as long as the new and improved player pool actually commits and the federation ain't on no bullshít and even then I'm still skeptical. I think Gold Cup will give us a mini glimpse into what WCQ might look like for the other nations not named USA n Mexico.
Canada vs. Haiti: El Salvador vs. St. Kitts and Nevis: Curacao vs. Panama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMTY6GlsXgA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em9W-N0SxpU
7 of the 8, yes (Panama had a rough start under Christiansen, but credit where it's due, they clicked this month). I'm not 100% sure El Salvador are better than Curaçao or Haiti right now... but then again, I haven't watched them under Hugo Pérez. But this is absolutely going to be the toughest final round ever - between the teams involved, the smaller room for error and the multiple 3-game windows.
Sharing my game theory from Panama perspective for the first window in September, do you guys expect the same?. Panama 2 vs. 1 Costa Rica: this is probably the weakest costa rican team that we have faced in many years and los ticos don’t have Head coach yet after they fired Ronald Gonzalez… I'm not saying they can’t grab points from us because it’s a consolidated CONCACAF powerhouse (we respect them) and they can make the engine work against all the odds… but this time it’s our now or never situation to win at home with confidence. Jamaica 0 vs 1 Panama: last time we faced Jamaica in a major tournament was at the 2019 Gold Cup… they won with a penalty… but before that game we won at the Office and in Rommel Fernandez with relative ease. We are their boogey team in WCQ and I expect this trend will continue. Panama 0 vs 0 Mexico: I expect a lot of suffering in this game because jamaican war won’t be easy and, as this is the last match for this window, the starters won’t be at their 100%. At the same time, Mexico would be in our home after visiting the always complicated visit to San Jose where they will need to sweat as always (even when los ticos are in their lowest shape). I’m being too positive in this match probably but every point that each of the teams can take from Mexico will be gold at the end. Panama summary after the first window 2 wins - 1 draw 7 points out of 9 3 goals scored 1 goal conceded +2 goal difference Probably at top 3… please let me dream a little bit hahah… cheers!
Couldn't tell you. I'll have a more accurate reading after GC. I really really don't fancy Panama's new coach. I think he's a fraud, but then again I'm a Leeds fans and his time at Leeds was absolutely shambolic. Coito, Berhalter, and Tata, all deploy some sort of high to mid press, I have a hard time believing he'll have a game plan for more experienced coaches in this Area. Kluivert is not a good coach, he's at best a Sporting Director, so I take the results vs Curacao with a grain of salt, but then again I'm open to being proven wrong this summer. The more the merrier!
I view the final round of qualifying as Top tier - Mexico U.S Next tier - talent level relatively equal - Honduras, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Canada Bottom Tier - El Salvador - Panama Caveats - Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama have stronger home field advantages than Jamaica, Canada, along with better qualifying experience I think Panama is #7 and El Salvador is #8. I'd put Honduras closer to #3 than the other teams currently in the "Next tier" but not in the "top tier" along with the U.S and Mexico. Impossible to predict what position the majority of teams will finish in. A lot will come down to injuries, luck and form.
I can co-sign Panama winning at the Office... but they're going to drop points at home against Costa Rica. I've seen this movie too many times before to bet on Panama winning that one...
Luis Fernando Suarez is the new heach coach of Costa Rica. Good decision… very experienced, He has been at the World Cup two times, 2006 with Ecuador and 2014 with Honduras.
He was actually my second choice, I was hoping Guima would take the reins. But Suarez is a pretty solid coach, I hope he can facilitate the much needed generational change for Costa Rica.
Yup. I would say Mexico is still favorites to finish comfortably ahead in the "ocho." If we take a step back.........................basically Mexico just drew with the US in regular time at the Nations League on US soil. That actually, would be a better result for Mexico than the US in a WCQer. I understand Mexico wants to win every trophy, and the fans aren't happy with the style of play right now. But they'll be fine. They REALLY miss Raul Jimenez. The US has an 11 game unbeaten streak against CONCACAF opponents. All of those games were at home or on neutral fields. So yes, its good, but isn't a reflection of WCQing.
FMF mulling having the Women’s National Team play the two games behind closed doors https://www.fmfstateofmind.com/2021...NmNoZSFuJdPAiAhbx5JEAw33EfdxTXyCYNgtbPae-WryA
https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2021/0...vador-to-be-played-without-fans-due-to-covid/ There are also rumors that El Salvador may just play in the USA. (Rumor posted by AlSlammerz in the US forum.)
Steven Goff @SoccerInsider 2h D.C. United approached about staging El Salvador's World Cup home qualifier Sept 2 at Audi Field vs US, source says. DC area is ES hotbed. RFK Stadium (decommissioned) no longer available. ES seeking alternatives because of pandemic-related crowd restrictions at home
In USA Men, it was posted that FIFA won't let El Salvador play home games in another country. The Octagonal starts in 39 days. I wish countries other than USA would announce stadiums and start times.
All current reports are that both El Salvador and Honduras will play their home games at home, and will allow vaccinated fans in. But still vague confirmations on those.
Petition to rename this thread "The Ocho [R]" It has such a cool ring to it. Giving me some real dodgeball vibes doe. lol
After watching the Gold Cup to this point i feel your top tier is correct.. no real surprise as all teams are missing talent and the Mexicans/USA have more depth than the rest. I feel Canada are next up now... Herdman has found the right formula to cover our weaknesses and play to our strengths. If we can press and play without fear , even on the road..the 3rd spot is there. Injuries will be a factor in these jam packed 3 game windows. I think this Octo will be sensational. Panama have shown they will be right in the mix with any of these teams and El Salvador's energy and a few new faces have really given them a push. Can take on any team not in the top tier and get points. Every match day will be critical..
I do not know why though. In previous cycles I remember Haiti and Jamaica playing a Qualifier in Miami. I also remember Costa Rica playing Guatemala in Miami too. But those were not Hex/Octogonal matches so maybe they have stricter standards for the Final phase.