The USMNT qualification campaign expectations for the 2014 World Cup at Brazil turned a bit grim with the 2-1 loss against Honduras.
This disappointing starting kick off for the hexagonal could be taken for players and coaches as a warning for weak points that must be fixed before embark on this long journey.
However, the hopes have not fade yet; even with the loss the USMNT still have a good position to fight their way to the final round of qualifications and getting among the 32 chosen teams to be part of the 2014 World Cup; these are the primary reasons:
Pragmatic Experience
Okay, maybe Jurgen Klinsmann didn’t made the best plan to play against Honduras, resulting in a messy game for the USMNT, but this doesn’t mean he is done. He has proven in the past to get positive results using more traditional means when things get uglier. Let’s get back at the games when the U.S played against Mexico and Italy on 2012.
In both games the U.S was going to be outmatched but, by putting 3 defensive midfielders, Kilnsmann managed to take the risk and won both matches with a formation of 4-3-3. The U.S team dealt with this formation until they loss against Jamaica in September. Then he decided to go for a 4-1-3-2 formation for the next three world Cup qualifiers, and they become three satisfactory victories.
Maybe the loss against Honduras last month put Klinsmann in an uncomfortable position, and he may be able to try a new formation that possibly won’t be ready to perform or could be too difficult to execute. Whatever is he planning to do; he is the man who can put the U.S in a winning position as he did in the past on many occasions.
Just one point behind
Maybe the loss against Honduras was a rough start for the USMNT, but the other qualifying results from the first match day favored the U.S.
Jamaica hold Mexico with a 0-0 draw and Costa Rica also managed a 2-2 draw against Panama. Even with the U.S. sunk at the bottom of the hexagonal table, its only one point away; a short distance from the World Cup qualification to pair with the three top teams that gain their spots automatically.
CONCACAF fourth place will face Oceania’s group winner for the final qualification spot. If U.S can take all three points from Costa Rica on March 22, then U.S could find itself tied on points for the hexagonal third place if the following chain of events comes to pass:
Honduras beats Mexico and gets 6 points and Mexico 1. Mexico beats Honduras, Mexico gain 4 points and Honduras will have 3 points. If they tie, Honduras will have 4 points and Mexico will have 2.
Jamaica beats Costa Rica; Jamaica will have 4 points and Costa Rica 1. If Costa Rica beats Jamaica, Costa Rica will have 4 and Jamaica 1. If they tie, both will have 2 points.
With nine games still ahead, U.S had so much terrain to walk if they want to qualify for the World Cup. After facing Costa Rica at home, they will travel to Mexico and then visit Jamaica for their next two matches. Even if they made it against Costa Rica, and secure at least to draw against Mexico and Jamaica, they will only end with 5 points after four games.
The hexagonal first half may be a pain, but things will go easier thanks to the home advantage, as they play the final six matches at home. There is some hope to turn the tide if the USMNT and Herr. Klinsmann play their cards well.
Written by WHO
