Whither CONCACAF?
After last night's CONCACAF WC 2010 qualifiers, the group is delicately poised as such:1. Honduras - Played 7 13 pts (+7 GD)
2. USA - Played 7 13 pts (+4 GD)
3. Mexico - Played 7 12 pts (+2 GD)
4. Costa Rica - Played 12 pts (-3 GD)
Given that the fourth placed team will play off against the fifth placed CONMEBOL team (likely Argentina) it's about time to asksome serious questions about how this will all play out - e.g., who's going to miss out on automatic qualification.
In my estimation the U.S.'s run-in (T&T away, Honduras away, CR at home) is slightly harder than Mexico's (Honduras at home, El Salvador at home, T&T away). If I had to guess, though, I'd say both sides will gain 7 more points from those; I fancy Honduras to take points off both Mexico and us, in other words. That would mean that the U.S. would end up with 20 pts, Mexico with 19 points, Honduras with 18 points and Costa Rica with 18 points. That is, it's going to be mighty tight and might come down to goal difference.
What say you, lads?
posted by The Blue Devil @ 7:22 PM
4 Comments:
TBD, you alarmist, you. Argentina are comfortably in fourth place right now, two points clear of Equador and Columbia. Still, we do need three points from our visit to T&T. I don't fancy our chances of getting more than a point in Honduras. As it tands it looks like the match against Costa Rica will be pivotal.
You're probably right, WHR. However, I think Wednesday's matches are crucial - and not just for the Three Lions.
Yes, the U.S. need full points in T&T. But Mexico need full points in the Azteca against Honduras. And if they do and CR get a result the same night, well, then Honduras are at risk of slipping out of contention.
As for South America, the Argies have a tricky away match against third-placed Paraguay on Wednesday.
In other words, it's all to play!
I feel that CR have fallen. They had their good run but they just hammered at home by Mexico. I think they are the ones to drop out
That would suit me, no doubt, although I would have a good laugh if the Mexicans didn't make it.
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