The Soccer Thread (Version 12) — Revenge of the Backup GK

5-1 USA is your final. USMNT going to Qatar as long as they don't lose 6-0 in San Jose on Wednesday.

 

QATAR HEROES

 

And if they do, they're going to Qatar for a playoff against New Zealand or the Solomon Islands. Sounds like the interconfederation and UEFA playoff winners all go into Pot 4 with the five lowest-ranked teams, so still something to be avoided, especially if not losing in Costa Rica might result in a place in Pot 2.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_(inter-confederation_play-offs)

 

Fans of the Canadian men's national team have had little to cheer about since 1986 (when they didn't score a goal in Mexico) but things have changed a bit since then:

 

And based on everything I've read here over the years, why does this feel like a distinct possibility?

 

The U.S. has allowed eight goals in the first 13 qualifying matches. Costa Rica has scored 11 times in the first 13 qualifying matches. CRC 6-0 USA ain't happening.

 

Once again, nights like last night make me wonder what I'm missing about Pulisic's status with Chelsea. How is he considered the United States' great hope and pretty much an interchangeable chess piece in the Premiership?

 

Because who needs a Super League when you can just make it damn near impossible not to qualify? At least CONCACAF had the sense to give underperforming brand-name clubs their own competition instead of weaseling them into the big show.

 

So you're saying there's a chance ...

 

All of their players are really, really good and the quality of defenders he’s facing is a lot better than Panama’s.

 

Apparently, yellow card suspensions carry forward to the international playoffs (but not the World Cup). Costa Rica has 9 players who are a card away, so assume they sit out tomorrow.