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USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Frayed Knot Feb 02 2022 05:39 PM

It hadn't occurred to me until, like, a week and a half ago, that 2022 is a World Cup year. Leaving alone for a minute the disgrace that this is taking place in Qatar and therefore not until October (at which point we'll still be watching the Mets), regional qualifying is currently going on, a process that wasn't nice to the U.S. four years ago. So trying their best to gain any advantage they can, the U.S. picked spots for their home games against Central American teams consisting of Columbus, OH (vs El Salvador last week; 1-0 U. S. win) and against bottom feeder Honduras tonight in Minneapolis (and I'll remind you that it's currently February). The temps for the game in Ohio last week were in the 30s and tonight they'll be in the 3[CROSSOUT]0[/CROSSOUT]'s ... as in an expected temperature of Three degrees at game time. Right now the U.S. sits in 2nd place (3 automatic qualifiers) behind Canada (to whom they lost last week in Hamilton, ONT) and just ahead of Mexico. So things are looking better this time around although the tougher part of their schedule takes place in late March against better teams (vs Mexico, at Panama, vs Costa Rica). So it's not sewn up yet meaning it would really nice to make a buffer during this soft part of the sked. Game just started on some Spanish Language station with which I am not familiar: TUDN And there are actually peeps in the stands!! Must suck for both them and the goalies in trying to stay warm. oe: and a header off a free kick makes it 1-0 U.S. in the 8th minute

kcmets Feb 02 2022 05:52 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Game tonight is on FS1, I saw an ad over the weekend and DVR'd it. It's also going to be replayed several times over night.

Edgy MD Feb 02 2022 07:34 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Being a goaltender in freezing conditions has historically been the only time it's socially acceptable for a grown man to publicly stick his hands in the crotch of his pants, but you don't see a lot of that anymore in the era of supergloves.

A Boy Named Seo Feb 04 2022 09:07 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Ridiculous conditions. Two Honduran players came off at half and were treated for hypothermia. I couldn't imagine any of those players having to head that frozen ball. The USMNT is in a pretty decent place, though. Their World Cup fate is definitely in their own hands. Currently tied with Mexico on points (but ahead on goal differential), but their final 3 matches, like FK said, are against Mexico, 4th place Panama and 5th place Coast Rica. No time to slip.

Edgy MD Feb 04 2022 11:49 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

I don't take it as the conditions were ridiculous, so much as evilly intentional.

Frayed Knot Feb 04 2022 12:19 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

A Boy Named Seo wrote: The USMNT is in a pretty decent place, though. Their World Cup fate is definitely in their own hands. Currently tied with Mexico on points (but ahead on goal differential), but their final 3 matches, like FK said, are against Mexico, 4th place Panama and 5th place Coast Rica. No time to slip. Would have had things almost sewn up if they hadn't thrown a 2-0 loss to Canada in between the wins vs El Sal & Honduras. The US coach (who seems a bit mouthy to me) claims they Dominated the Canucks but just, y'know, failed to actually win the game. He was also out yapping about how the weather in Minnesota was no more unfair than going to Central America when it's 90+ w/90+ humidity but, like I said, seems a bit mouthy.

A Boy Named Seo Feb 04 2022 03:19 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Frayed Knot wrote: A Boy Named Seo wrote: The USMNT is in a pretty decent place, though. Their World Cup fate is definitely in their own hands. Currently tied with Mexico on points (but ahead on goal differential), but their final 3 matches, like FK said, are against Mexico, 4th place Panama and 5th place Coast Rica. No time to slip. Would have had things almost sewn up if they hadn't thrown a 2-0 loss to Canada in between the wins vs El Sal & Honduras. The US coach (who seems a bit mouthy to me) claims they Dominated the Canucks but just, y'know, failed to actually win the game. He was also out yapping about how the weather in Minnesota was no more unfair than going to Central America when it's 90+ w/90+ humidity but, like I said, seems a bit mouthy. I watched that one, too. The US had more possession and chances, but I wouldn't have picked "dominated" as the word to describe it when there's all those other fine words out there in existence. Plus, Canada is good! And yeah, the thing about the humidity was just st00pid.

Frayed Knot Mar 24 2022 03:35 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

U.S. vs Mexico qualifier in Mexico City tonight at 10 EDT (past my bedtime so I'll have to read about the results tomorrow). El Azteca stadium is only allowed to be around half full for this game due, not to Covid restrictions, but to penalties for previous gay-slurring chants by the locals.

Willets Point Mar 24 2022 04:07 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

So the gay-slurring chants will be at half volume.

Frayed Knot Mar 24 2022 04:29 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Willets Point wrote: So the gay-slurring chants will be at half volume. Half as loud or half as often ... not sure which.

Frayed Knot Mar 24 2022 07:43 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Despite being the reigning EURO Cup champ,, Italy will miss its second consecutive World Cup after losing 1-0 earlier today in a qualifier vs that traditional powerhouse, North Macedonia.

Willets Point Mar 25 2022 08:04 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

I fell asleep before the game started but did not miss a single goal. Still, a scoreless draw at Azteca is a positive result for the USMNT.

Frayed Knot Mar 25 2022 09:35 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

As the late, great L.A. Times sports columnist Jim Murray would have put it: 'I'd tell you the final score, but there wasn't one'.

nymr83 Mar 25 2022 10:31 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Edgy MD wrote: I don't take it as the conditions were ridiculous, so much as evilly intentional. Fuck it, I would have scheduled the game in Nome, Alaska. What is so unfair about it? I'd be just as unhappy as those Hondurans in Minnesota if I had to run around in 90 degree weather in Honduras. Unless all matches are going to be held in climate controlled domes everyone is entitled to the home weather.

Edgy MD Mar 25 2022 10:38 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

I've played soccer in 90 degrees and I've played in freezing conditions. They aren't comparable. I've never played in three degrees. I think deliberately creating hostile conditions for your guests is pretty close to the definition of unsporting.

A Boy Named Seo Mar 25 2022 12:51 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Frayed Knot wrote: Willets Point wrote: So the gay-slurring chants will be at half volume. Half as loud or half as often ... not sure which. It was still present, but the PA announcer shouted "Mexicooooooooo" to try to drown it out. Just stop. Not all traditions are good.

nymr83 Mar 27 2022 12:47 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Edgy MD wrote: I've played soccer in 90 degrees and I've played in freezing conditions. They aren't comparable. I've never played in three degrees. I think deliberately creating hostile conditions for your guests is pretty close to the definition of unsporting. I dont play much soccer. Ive played basketball and football in both conditions and I'll take 0 degrees over 90 degrees any time.

Frayed Knot Mar 27 2022 05:19 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Mar 27 2022 05:44 PM

Pulisic on a PK (called after a VAR review) in the 17th minute gives the U.S. an early lead in WC Qualifying game vs Panama in Orlando FL

Frayed Knot Mar 27 2022 05:29 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

And now it's 2-0 COSTA RICA won earlier today so the US can't clinch a WC spot tonight, even with a win. So it will come down to the game in Costa Rica on Wednesday, but a win today will make it tough for them not to qualify. And now it's 3-0 And with goal differential being a potential tie-breaker, extra goals are more than just window dressing. 4-0 as the 1st half comes to a close

Willets Point Mar 27 2022 06:59 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

5-1 is your final from Orlando.

Frayed Knot Mar 30 2022 08:34 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

It's a good thing that the U.S. can clinch a spot in the 2022 WC even if losing tonight's final WC Qualifying game by a mere five goals as the USMNT is down 2-0 to Costa Rica in the 70th minute.

Willets Point Mar 31 2022 09:07 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

The draw for the World Cup will take place April 7 at noon eastern time. Here is how it works: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/mar/31/world-cup-2022-draw-qatar-which-teams-have-qualified-and-how-does-it-work

Gwreck Mar 31 2022 10:41 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Seems odd they have to do this now instead of waiting to see the results of the various playoffs for the last few spots. Why the rush?

A Boy Named Seo Apr 01 2022 10:52 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

World Cup draw happning NOW!!!! It's live on Peacock if ya got it.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 01 2022 10:55 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Pot 1 with all the heavy hitters and Qatar is out. Pulling for Group A with Qatar...

A Boy Named Seo Apr 01 2022 10:57 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Here we go. USMNT lands in group B with England!

Willets Point Apr 01 2022 12:06 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

USA England Iran European Playoffs Winner - Scotland/Wales/Ukraine

Edgy MD Apr 01 2022 01:02 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Sheesh. Ukraine is still fielding a team.

Willets Point Apr 01 2022 01:21 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Maybe. Most of the players have been inducted into the military.

Edgy MD Apr 01 2022 01:35 PM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

That's what I would've guessed. And yet, there's a tempting reason to field the team, if only to fly the colors on an international platform.

duan Apr 06 2022 05:45 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

Edgy MD wrote: That's what I would've guessed. And yet, there's a tempting reason to field the team, if only to fly the colors on an international platform. Ukraine were due to play a 'play-off' semi-final vs Scotland a couple of weeks ago and then whoever won that would have played a "Play off Final" vs Wales (who beat Austria 2-1 to win their semi-final) There were 3 places up for grabs in these playoffs - Portugal (who beat North Macedonia - who had beaten Italy) and Poland (who got a bye in their semi-final when Russia were fucked out and beat Sweden in their final) were the other two who qualified via this route. The Ukraine game vs Scotland is currently scheduled for June but who knows. Lots of the Ukrainian players are still playing with their clubs across Europe

duan Apr 06 2022 05:57 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

[YOUTUBE]gyo-fh-mVWg[/YOUTUBE] It has given rise to some very emotional scenes like this one.

A Boy Named Seo Apr 06 2022 10:23 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

What are we missing, Duan? "Uploader has not made this video available in your country".

duan Apr 08 2022 03:39 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

ah basically Andriy Yarmolenko the Ukrainian forward scored the winner for West Ham after having been on compassionate leave from training etc in the early part of the war. He broke down in tears of emotion.

Edgy MD May 18 2022 10:57 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

A landmark agreement has been reached for pay equity between the USMNT and the USWNT players. The US is the first nation in the world to come to such an arrangement. I'm not really clear on how this version of "equity" will be structured. World Cup pay increases based on how far a team advances. Will the final take be pooled proportionally to how far teams advance or will it be pooled in a lump sum? US Soccer made sure that the ones who really raked it in were the lawyers.

MFS62 May 18 2022 11:42 AM Re: USMNT - FIFA Qualifying

After hearing that news, lawyers for the WNBA players' association, along with the players and their agents, must be salivating. Later