Snak

US-Mexico grudge match has too much at stake

Fasten your seatbelts, folks -- this is it -- a CONCACAF qualification match that matters to the big guns.

It´s important to point out that getting to the World Cup has always meant so much to the smaller nations who never took a ticket to the big show for granted. In fact, it might be that appreciation and focus that has helped the Central American nations of Costa Rica and Honduras to pull off some giant-killer results of late.

Let´s face it, though, for the most part, the U.S. and Mexico had fallen into a routine of posturing over which country was the sport´s top dog of the region. Wins over other area rivals were less celebrated than they were expected, and the squads would go about the business of collecting qualifying points in a professional, almost detached manner.

Only against each other would the proverbial tooth and nails emerge, the hot-blooded confrontations, the grudges and the inevitable gloating by the winners of the latest round. Yet with mostly only pride at stake, both teams seemed to settle for a somewhat sterile rivalry. With potentially four CONCACAF spots available at the World Cup, it certainly never seemed as though either team would be in a position to put a stake through the still-beating heart of the other’s dream of going to Brazil in 2014.

However, that’s exactly the scenario that presents itself now. A wounded and cornered El Tri stalks into Columbus Crew stadium, which the USA has long made its mini-fortress. Crew Stadium, at less than one-fourth the size of cavernous Azteca Stadium, still wields a winning mystique for the American players. They have never lost there, and in particular, they have defeated Mexico in three different qualifying cycles there by the same 2-0 score. Dos a Cero may have stung deepest in the first knockout stage of the 2002 World Cup, but it started in Columbus, Ohio.

Now, it´s the place where Mexico could possibly remain stuck on eight points with only two games left in World Cup qualifying. Panama, who twice defeated El Tri in this summer’s Gold Cup, is only a single point behind. Mexico is currently clinging to the fourth-place spot in in the Hexagonal, which would send them to a playoff against New Zealand to earn the right to go to the World Cup. If Panama manages to pick up points and Mexico does not, even that playoff option could be in danger.

Qualification hasn´t been assured for the Americans either, which means the USA´s motivation goes beyond simply wanting to beat El Tri. The USA would prefer to clinch qualifying in front of their home fans and as soon as possible. The players are also probably eager to wash away some of the bitter taste of the 3-1 defeat that they suffered at the hands of Costa Rica last Friday as well.

In recent years, there has been another layer of animosity added to the clashes between the two teams. Familiarity breeds contempt, and the days when Landon Donovan was one of the few American players who could understand and also speak a little Spanish are gone. Now, a significant number of the USA team either play in Liga MX or are of Mexican heritage themselves, or often both. For that matter, Mexico’s top striker plays in England, so players on both sides can engage in bilingual trash-talk as the spirit moves them.

Of the two, Mexico has struggled more to get its players in sync and performing well. The squad is also undergoing upheaval from the firing of Jose Manuel "Chepo" de la Torre. This may actually work in El Tri´s favor, though, because the sheer talent of their players might be overlooked with the distraction of the current coaching drama. Also, the USA squad isn´t at full strength for this game. Because of injuries and card accumulation, more than a few of the top American players will not participate, testing the depth of Jurgen Klinsmann´s squad.

Though stars Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey will take part, the two have not worked together often of late, and a certain lack of understanding was evident in the team´s recent loss versus Costa Rica. The cohesion isn´t likely to be helped by Klinsmann having to bring in Jose Torres, Joe Benny Corona, Clarence Goodson and Brad Davis as last-minute replacements.

Mexico, desperate for points, can´t hold back and isn´t planning to do so. Interim coach Luis Fernando Tena already has indicated that striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez will start the match. Despite Mexico´s troubles, midfielder Giovani Dos Santos has grown in confidence this year. He created the goal that staked El Tri to a lead for much of the match versus Honduras, and wasn´t to blame for the fact that Mexico couldn´t protect that lead.

Tena himself is the coach who led Mexico to one of its greatest soccer triumphs -- the 2012 Olympic gold medal. If he can find that spark of inspiration again, then the USA could be in for a shock. On the field, Mexico needs a hero. Whichever of their players can step up and help El Tri save their qualifying campaign while defeating their their bitter rivals would be just that.

After win at Mexico, Honduras focuses on Panama

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – Friday’s victory over at the Estadio Azteca was historic, but triumphant Honduras has left the celebration back in Mexico City and is squarely focused on a critical World Cup qualifier against visiting Panama at the Estadio Tiburcio Carias Andino on Tuesday.

“That win makes us no better than anyone, no less,” midfielder Oscar Boniek Garcia told reporters. “We must be humble and work.”

Indeed, the jubilant emotions experienced after rallying to beat Mexico could easily recede Tuesday evening if Honduras doesn’t follow it with another positive result.

“We have to win to validate the victory in Mexico,” expressed midfielder Wilson Palacios prior to training on Sunday.

Honduras currently occupies third place in the final-round table with 10 points from seven matches, two points ahead of fourth-place Mexico and three in front of Panama. The top three finishers automatically qualify for Brazil 2014, while the fourth-place team will face Oceania winner New Zealand in an Intercontinental Playoff.

The Catrachos are undefeated in three Hexagonal matches at home, beating the United States (2-1) and drawing against Mexico (2-2) in San Pedro Sula, as well as defeating Jamaica (2-0) in Tegucigalpa on June 11.

“We played against Jamaica and we did well,” Palacios noted. “Important things come in threes.”

Panama is coming off a 0-0 draw against last-place Jamaica on Friday at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez. Head coach Julio Dely Valdes trusts that his team heads to Honduras calm, knowing a win would leave it even on points with its Central American rival.

“We’re fine,” said the 46-year-old. “We’re going to Honduras to play a big game, which is difficult, but we like playing this team. We always keep hope alive because they give everything.”

The 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup runner-up defeated Honduras, 2-0, in their first meeting on March 26 in Panama City with Luis Tejada and Blas Perez scoring in each half.

“Panama will not be easy, but at home we will put forward because we have to win the game,” finished Palacios.

U.S. welcomes Mexico to Columbus once again

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The United States´ philosophy entering its World Cup qualifying match against archrival Mexico on Tuesday is straight to the point:

Why put off until tomorrow what you can get done today?

Despite Friday’s 3-1 loss at Costa Rica, the Americans can clinch a berth at Brazil 2014 if they defeat Mexico and Honduras does not lose to Panama. If that combination comes to fruition, it will be their seventh consecutive World Cup appearance. They booked a spot at Germany 2006 by besting Mexico here in 2005.

"We gave up an opportunity in Costa Rica to get three points," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann told a press conference Monday. "It made us upset. It hangs a little bit in our stomach because you do not want to wait for anything. You want to do it in the next possible occasion, knowing what Mexico is going through, but we have to look at purely at our end."

So, the U.S. comes into the encounter at Columbus Crew Stadium with a sense of urgency.

"You want to get points as soon as possible, but the most important thing is that we get to the World Cup," said forward Clint Dempsey, who scored against Costa Rica via a penalty kick. "That´s what our goal is. It doesn´t matter how we do it. You don´t want to be waiting until the last game. You don’t want teams wanting to do you a favor. Ideally, you would like to get it wrapped up as soon as you can."

The Mexicans (1-5-1, 8 points) will try to recover from stinging 2-1 home loss to Honduras on Friday. Head coach Jose Manuel de la Torre was let go only hours after the match, replaced by assistant Luis Fernando Tena, who guided El Tri to the Olympic gold medal 13 months ago.

"Any time there is a change on the managerial side, it usually triggers a positive response," U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard said. "Mexico´s a heck of a team. They can frighten the life out of you. They´re that talented. Whatever people are saying what they are going through right now, I don´t buy it. There are some amazing players.”

There are some observers who feel El Tri could be vulnerable, but not Dempsey.

"I don´t look at it like that," he said. "Mexico is a team that has quality in it. We need to make sure we prepare properly. We know it´s going to be a difficult game."

While the Mexicans will be making quick adjustments under the tutelage of a new head coach, the U.S.is also facing a number of challenges.

Klinsmann will be missing four regulars, including central midfielder Michael Bradley, who sprained his left ankle during warm-ups prior to the Costa Rica setback. Defender Matt Besler, midfielder/defender Geoff Cameron and forward Jozy Altidore are sidelined with yellow-card suspensions. In their absence, defender Clarence Goodson and midfielders Brad Davis, Joe Corona and Jose Francisco Torres were called in.

"Missing Michael (Bradley) is not easy because he has developed into a real leader, with a Clint, with a Tim Howard, with a Jermaine Jones," Klinsmann said. "But with the challenges with the roster, with the availability, with yellow cards [the last two years], we always know how to correct things. We´ll find way to balance it out."

To help matters, the Americans will be playing in familiar territory at a stadium in which they have never lost in nine all-time matches (6-3-0), including a 3-0-0 mark against Mexico in qualifiers in 2001, 2005 and 2009. The score of each meeting was 2-0.

"Columbus is one of those venues where you have that 12th man,” noted Dempsey. “The crowd is all behind you. It adds to more excitement and it puts more wind in your sails. It also puts pressure on the other team. They feel the excitement, they´re not as confident. It plays to our advantage."

Colombia will play with "tranquility" against Uruguay, says James Rodriguez

Colombia will face Uruguay with "much tranquility" on Tuesday in the World Cup qualifiers, said midfielder James Rodriguez, after the first Colombian practice in Montevideo.

"We always play with great humility and always go out to win, always. Every game is different and we will play responsibly and with much tranquility too," Rodriguez told reporters.

Colombia arrived in Uruguay in the early hours on Sunday and in the afternoon held a training session.

The team, coached by the Argentine Jose Pekerman, comes to the match at the top of the standings with 26 points. Argentina has the same amount of points but a better goal difference.

For veteran defender Mario Yepes it "has always been very difficult to face Uruguay. More when they are playing at home. We respect the Uruguayan team, we respect their work, their history."

If Colombia gets just a point from the match they will punch their ticket to the 2014 World Cup with two matches to go.
- See more at: http://www.conmebol.com/…jlGtRc.dpuf

Hverken Danmark eller Armenien kan bruge uafgjort til noget.

D-Day — Boyz in do-or-die clash with Costa Rica

Boyz in must-win World Cup clash

NO one can know for sure how a condemned man feels on his final walk to the gallows. One can only imagine it to be a horrible thing.

On the flip, it would be quite conceivable how the very individual would react if he were to be pardoned in the final hours leading to his execution.

One or the other emotion could be on the cards when Jamaica´s Reggae Boyz take their fateful walk today in their do-or-die CONCACAF World Cup-qualifying clash with leaders Costa Rica inside the National Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:00 pm.

A defeat today would not only effectively eliminate Jamaica, but it would evoke a sinking feeling of disappointment and failure on the part of the players, coaches, fans, and football functionaries at all levels.

A victory -- and for that everyone is praying — would indeed represent a stay of execution for the Boyz, as they fight for their Brazil 2014 World Cup lives, plus it would indeed be a joyous moment.

For the sake of the campaign, it is hoped that the executioner in this case, is Jamaica, and Costa Rica will be the one being led down the dark corridor of defeat.

But Costa Rica won´t go without a fight, after all they are on the brink of qualifying for the World Cup, and their 14 points at the top of the table is the result of hard work.

Los Ticos, as the Central Americans are called, sounded a deathly warning when they cut down CONCACAF powerhouse and previous leaders, the USA, 3-1 in San Jose on Friday.

On the same night in Panama City, the Reggae Boyz were battling with the host for three priceless points, but only came with scraps from 0-0.

After seven games, Jamaica have only three points at the bottom with their Mission To Rio campaign fading real fast.

But there is hope that it remains a mission possible, but that belief will only be validated with a win tonight.

O´brian Woodbine, who came on as a substitute in the last match, said it most eloquently when he said: "Tuesday´s game we have to go all out; we can´t think about anything else but three points."

Adrian Mariappa, a central defender, said that it will be crucial to replicate the teamwork from the last match. "What was also good is that everybody was working for each other, and we always looked like we could score on the break, so we have to take all these positives into the next game," he noted.

Boyz head coach Winfried Schafer, buoyed by the performance in Panama, said he has a plan to counter the slick Costa Ricans.

"I watched Costa Rica against us and against the United States and I know what we have to do. What´s important is to go into that game with the same power we did against Panama," he told the Jamaica Observer.

Newly appointed and still getting to "know my players better", Schafer will have a couple of issues to wrestle with ahead of the game.

He will need to decide on who will tend goal with first-choice Donovan Ricketts out by card suspension. The German will have to choose from Richard McCallum, Jacomeno Barrett and Gariece McPherson. The natural number two, Dwayne Miller, got injured in training prior to the team departing for the Panama assignment.

Though he has been training with the team with a heavily bandaged leg, Alvas Powell could be iffy. He was substituted in the 44th minute in Panama with an ankle complaint.

Crystal Palace´s Adrian Mariappa, who did not play in Panama due to card suspension, returns and will be looking for an appointment in the three-prong defence.

In Panama, Leicester City´s Wes Morgan, Watford´s Lloyd Doyley and Jermaine Taylor of Houston Dynamo did a creditable job to keep the hosts off the scoresheet.

"For the next match, we have plenty of players and we may change. Mariappa comes back, we have Daniel Gordon and Wes Morgan, (Jermaine) Taylor and (Lloyd) Doyley, that´s the situation," said Schafer.

The coach had indicated that Bristol City´s Marvin Elliott would replace the red-carded Rodolph Austin in holding midfield position.

"I think Elliott played good in this position, and the way he played he was saying to me ´coach I am here´, and he played well, he made good passes and he plays good with the head, and maybe he will play this position," said Schafer on Friday night after the game in Panama.

The other midfielders in that game were Shaun Cummings and Powell who played out wide, while Jobi McAnuff and his Reading teammate Garath McCleary played inside.

Marlon King, without a club now, and Volgan´s Luton Shelton, were paired in Friday´s game, and while there was a lot of running from them and good teamwork, shots at and on goal were almost non-existent.

Schafer has Portland Timbers´ Ryan Johnson, Bolton Wanderers´ Jermaine Beckford, Doncaster Rovers´ Theo Robinson, Vancouver Whitecaps´ Darren Mattocks, Sheffield Wednesday´s Jermaine ´Teddy´ Johnson, who can both play as a midfielder and striker, and possibly Waterhouse´s Jermainne ´Tuffy´ Anderson to choose from if he decides to make changes upfront.

Schafer will also be banking on a 12th man to give the team extra firepower.

"I say to all of Jamaica that they should come out and support our team... the game against Panama was the key match, and since we didn´t win it the one against Costa Rica is now our other key match," the former Cameroon coach said.

President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Captain Horace Burrell, too, urged Jamaicans to support the team in their time of desperation.

Chiles startopstilling mod Spanien...

C. Bravo

M. González
G. Jara
M. Isla
E. Mena

D. Pizarro
A. Vidal
M. Diaz
G. Medel

A. Sánchez
E. Vargas

goooooooooooooool de Chile - Eduardo Vargas......1-0

Chile tæt på 2-0 ganske underholdende kamp....spanierne ser ud til at have problemer med de små hurtige og teknisk stærke chilenere ....de virker heller ikke rynget af at møde Spanien - noget europæiske mandskaber kunne lære af....

Soldado har udlignet header indlæg fra Pedro ind på Bravo som bokser den i mål....1-1