Chamo's note: Biggy is attending the World Cup next summer whether they qualify or not, he's just whining.
Certainly I do not think that this team is not capable, but three major obstacles face them. Two were unforeseeable, one has loomed in the background for months. This looming obstacle, the question, the one thought early in qualification was that the US did not want to leave qualification to the final two matches, especially possibly needing a win in Honduras, the unfriendly confines of San Pedro Sula. This was mentioned by fans and pundits in March, that leaving this as a must win might mean that the US might not get there. Now the other games can render this useless, if Costa Rica loses, the deal is done. If Mexico does, the road becomes easier. Yet the task ahead is monumental. Our friends at TSG tweeted earlier: shinguardian Everytime I hear about LSU's home field adv. on Saturday night, I'm going to chuckle as the US is security escorted even to the bathroom. For some reason this rang so true as I thought about this game. The atmosphere, with the economic and political turmoil combined with the fact that if Honduras wins they are headed to the World Cup, could be one of the most intense the US has ever played in. American sports are so big on home field advantage, but really this just boils down to playing in a stadium that is primarily pro your team, and likely somewhat loud. The national team will be in a crowd of extremely politically charged and insanely hyped soccer fans that will see the biggest game of their lives. Combine this with an extremely talented and motivated Honduras team with the likes of Palacios and Suazo, that has been incredibly efficient and effective at home and is easily playing the most important game of their lives for a country that they look to unite via soccer, and you have a game that is less matchup in Honduras and more cauldron in Honduras. This game means so much to everyone in Honduras and with an entire nation backing them, the US will play a game away at the most insane place they have ever played. Jozy Altidore, the brilliant young American striker tweeted this earlier. JozyAltidore17 This place is locked down heavy!!! Every time i peak my head out the door security is right there lol This is def a first for me. Jozy has been to Azteca, to Saprissa, to South Africa, and yet this tweet shows the insanity of the current environment TWO DAYS before the game. Two days. This intensity may throw something at some of the American players that they have never dealt with before. A game that is not a game, but a battle for a country in turmoil, an opportunity to provide people with hope. The US just happens to be on the wrong end of this equation.
To add to this turmoil, the US lineup faces two major holes based on injury. First is the centerback who emerged this summer as the missing piece to a defense that was missing a part. Jay DeMerit got his opportunity to step in at centerback at the Confederations Cup and to say that he made the most of his opportunity would be quite an understatement. The Donatello Onyewu - Jay DeMerit partnership helped shut down Egypt and Spain, and looked like the United States had found a back line that could lock up any potent offense like never before. Unfortunately, since then DeMerit has gone back to being the missing piece, as he has dealt with a leg injury and now eye surgery. This leaves the center of defense likely in the capable hands of Onyewu and the much sketchier hands of Bocanegra, resulting in the need to fill his hole at left back, where comforting options are far and few between. To compound that, Onyewu has not seen much of the field lately. At all. More problems arose when Clint Dempsey was declared unable to go in Honduras due to a shoulder sprain. This happened this past weekend in the EPL, and the least Clint could have done was get me some fantasy points to make up for this problem. Now Clint often underperfoms at the national team level, but I feel not all of that is his fault, and as he showed this summer, he generally is the most dangerous player on the field. He can score goals from anywhere, especially late game. Benny Stu and Jose, Chamo and Biggy's next drink concoction and the sure replacements for Demps will have to step up. In a major way. Major like you just saw some dude steal your Mom's purse with your World Cup tickets in it, and he has a half a block head start. The word we want is overdrive. After thinking this over, I would like to see Stu start on the right wing, go balls to the wall for sixty, then bring in Benny or Jose, or both depending on the score situation. That's way Saturday truly is a cometh the moment cometh the man situation for the USMNT. Will the man come? Can the US not leave themselves a do or die next Wednesday versus Costa Rica at the house DC United built?
The unexpected twist outside the injuries is the fact that the US isn't helped that much by the draw. One point only guarantees the team a spot if Costa Rica ties or loses, so will Bob play for the win? Will he risk his yellow carded players in what are certainly not favorable conditions? How will the US midfield hold up? Can the deal with Palacios and company? The answer is yes. Team America's mettle shines through in a 2-1 victory that sends me into a frenzy. Unfortunately, I will not be watching the game for three reasons, first, because my stomach cannot handle watching two elimination games (possibly) for the US. Worst comes to worst, I watch Wednesday. Secondly, the game is not nationally broadcast, only here and here and here. Finally, a cute girl asked me to Law School Prom and I obliged quite willingly. If nothing else, what are text message updates for?
Biggy's note: Chamo will be providing text message updates on this game via feed or live update, if you want them, please send an email to Chamo@constantlyoffside.com with a nice note that will convince him to text you. He likes bribes.
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