I think CONCACAF qualifying is tougher than people think. The culture/facilities shock in a lot of those countries is an adjustment for the US and Europe-based players to make, and oftentimes with passionate (or even hostile) crowds. Is it tougher than CONMEBOL? Nope. But it's not a cakewalk.

I think CONCACAF qualifying is tougher than people think. The culture/facilities shock in a lot of those countries is an adjustment for the US and Europe-based players to make, and oftentimes with passionate (or even hostile) crowds. Is it tougher than CONMEBOL? Nope. But it's not a cakewalk.

 

I always say the same thing about the road games, so I don't necessarily disagree. Costa Rica's field is concrete and many of those stadiums are very sub-par and crazy atmospheres. But you only have to finish 3rd in the HEX and three teams are ranked 80th or lower. That's the biggest factor, whereas Europe has similar groups of 6, but you have to finish 1st to qualify, and 2nd only gets you a playoff berth. Some of the road games may be tougher in some ways, but in the end, it's a much easier road.

I always say the same thing about the road games, so I don't necessarily disagree. Costa Rica's field is concrete and many of those stadiums are very sub-par and crazy atmospheres. But you only have to finish 3rd in the HEX and three teams are ranked 80th or lower. That's the biggest factor, whereas Europe has similar groups of 6, but you have to finish 1st to qualify, and 2nd only gets you a playoff berth. Some of the road games may be tougher in some ways, but in the end, it's a much easier road.

 

Agreed. Also, even finishing top 4 in the HEX is usually a good bet, especially this go around to qualify as the 4th place team in CONCACAF enters a playoff against the 5th place team from the Asian Football Confederation.

Agreed. Also, even finishing top 4 in the HEX is usually a good bet, especially this go around to qualify as the 4th place team in CONCACAF enters a playoff against the 5th place team from the Asian Football Confederation.

 

Why the hell does CONCACAF get less guaranteed spots than the AFC?

Why the hell does CONCACAF get less guaranteed spots than the AFC?

 

Really doesn't make any sense but it carries to 2022 as well...

 

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2015/m...ed-2610611.html

Really doesn't make any sense but it carries to 2022 as well...

 

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2015/m...ed-2610611.html

 

I get that AFC has slightly more depth than CONCACAF, but they really should have a equal amount of guaranteed spots.

Nothing like a 4-nil win away from home featuring a magisterial performance from Christan Eriksen to set up for Spurs' first CL campaign in six years. Pumped for Wednesday.

 

(I was there in 2010, by the way. I went to the home match against Inter--the day after my 21st birthday. Probably the best live sporting event I've ever witnessed)

At least Legia had the coolest tifo on MatchDay 1. And the most pepper sprayed stewards.

Bob Bradley hired at Swans. Finally getting his chance. He's earned it.

I find this crazy, the MLS won't allow teams more than 4 charter flights a season, so the entire team must fly commercial the majority of the year.

 

http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp...snap-story.html

The Legia Warsaw humiliation tour continues in Madrid tonight. Fans are already fighting police outside before the team gives up 38 goals to Real.

Legia tied Real Madrid! And of course it was in front of an empty stadium cause of the prior hooligans in the first UCL game. I wonder if it helped not being in front of the crazies.

Is Argentina gonna miss the world Cup?

I'm the only one still posting here but DOS A CERO!

Another Jurgen milestone!! Lol

 

 

Starting out with 5 at the back was ridiculous. Once they made the switch to the 442, the game went a lot better. Still, absolutely awful set piece defending at the end of the game.

Jurgen just always has to tinker a little bit with everything.

 

Pulisic showed his talent, but he surprisingly looked #shook (J4L) at times. I think CONCACAF is not as friendly as the Champions League despite the talent drop.

 

John Brooks is the man

 

Even if they lose at Costa Rica they should be fine, they just can't have any careless f*** ups but a tie would be big.

Really, really disappointing result tonight.

 

Have to get a result in Costa Rica. I hate that I am worried that this team may not have what it takes to make the World Cup. Ridiculous as that may sound, I am always extremely concerned until we're actually qualified.

That Chile - Uruguay game was amazing. It's gonna feel like a different sport watching the USMNT next.

Michael Bradley is completely done. He is just horrendous now.

What a f***ing embarrassment. Klinsmann needs to go ASAP.

 

I can't believe this but we may not go to the World Cup.

This is also about the worst I've ever seen Brooks play.

I turned it off.

 

This squad is not good enough for the World Cup.

Klinsmann has to be fired after this

Can't imagine Klinsmann survives tonight.

Edited November 16, 20169 yr by Buehrle>Wood