-
USMNT could qualify tonight. But the US must beat Costa Rica, Mexico must tie Honduras and Panama must lose or draw against Jamaica
-
Jozy Altidore is an injury doubt after suffering a hamstring strain and missing Sunderland’s game on Sept. 1
- The US has never won a WC qualifier away in Costa Rica and has a 0-7-1 record
This is it folks, a win tonight and the US national team could seal their place in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
A lot of other results have to go their way, but if Jurgen Klinsmann’s team can pull out the win down in a hostile environment in San Jose, it can be done.
But the problem is in eight previous trips to Costa Rica in WC qualifying the US has never won, losing seven and drawing one. And Costa Rica are in fine form in CONCACAF qualifying, sitting behind the US in second place with 11 points from six games. A win for the home side would see them leapfrog the US into top spot and pole position to qualify for Brazil 2014.
(MORE: Who will start for US national team vs. Costa Rica?)
Following the infamous “SnowClasico” game between the USA and Costa Rica in Denver back in March, a burgeoning rivalry between the two nations has been spilling over with Friday night’s game the culmination of several months of heated talk on both sides of the fence.
See, the Ticos were upset that the game played at Dicks Sporting Goods’ Park on March 22 went ahead following near whiteout conditions near Denver. But the CONCACAF officials at the game allowed the match to continue, much to the annoyance of Costa Rican players, officials, fans and their national soccer governing body.
That animosity has boiled over as Klinsmann’s US national team arrived in San Jose earlier this week ahead of a crunch qualifier. Several stunts including road blockades, lack of training facilities, the US team bus being egged and many more issues have come to the fore as the Costa Ricans fans turn up the heat in the soccer rivalry.
To add an extra storyline to the mix, as if it needed one, a heavy series of rainstorms are heading towards Central America and could put the game in jeopardy if it falls in San Jose.
(MORE: USA-Costa Rica rivalry reaches new heights after “SnowClasico” backlash)
Back on the pitch, the US are protecting a record 12-game winning streak that dates back to a friendly win against Germany in D.C. in May. In terms of injuries the USA’s star striker Jozy Altidore has been out with a hamstring injury after missing Sunderland’s game with Crystal Palace last weekend. While murmurs of Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey being “60 percent fit” are circling.
Elsewhere the US have eight players who are one booking away from a suspension and would miss the crucial qualifier against Mexico in Columbus next Tuesday. They are Jozy Altidore, Matt Besler, Michael Bradley, Geoff Cameron, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Fabian Johnson and Jermaine Jones.
Costa Rica have gone 3-0-1 since that disputed defeat to the US, posting four straight shutouts in the process. Real Salt Lake forward Alvaro Saborio is Ticos danger man, with seven goals in WC qualifying so far.
You can watch the game live on BeIN Sport at 10pm ET, and we will have all the team news, reaction and analysis right here at NBC Sports ProSoccerTalk.
What they’re saying
Jurgen Klinsmann on having a Mexican ref, with 8 players one yellow away from a suspension: “We’re not holding back by any means. It [the players with yellow cards] doesn’t [affect] our lineup. It’s about Costa Rica. It’s about that game, and whatever happens on Friday night, we will adjust then to the Mexico game. I don’t doubt that Marco Antonio Rodriguez is a great referee. But at the same time, there is something I can’t get out of my head. I have eight players with a yellow card, and four days later we face Mexico. Truthfully, I don’t like this.”
Costa Rican coach Jorge Luis Pinto: “If we have to get one, two or four cards, we are going to get them and forget about everything else. I want our team to go into this match with our blood running hot but with cool heads. [Anger over the loss] is part of soccer. This feeling that the country has transmitted we are all feeling. It is a historic moment for us. We have to have control of the match at all times.”
Graham Zusi on the passionate Costa Rican fans: “We expected that. This is a country passionate about its team. … This all makes it more exciting for us. It will be a battle, but I think we can take advantage of our momentum and do our job here.”
Prediction
After months of build up, the USA can take a huge stride towards sealing World Cup qualification this evening down in Costa Rica. A win and other results going their way could see Klinsmann’s side celebrating a berth in Brazil but more likely a solid point then a victory against Mexico next week would do the job. I think this will be a tight game, just like the matchup in Denver, and the USA will snatch a precious draw to antagonize the home crowd further.
