May 24, 2013

U.S. Soccer Begins 2014 World Cup Qualification – What Does This All Mean?

June 7, 2012 by 12 Comments

So many times as I’ve watched U.S. Soccer and commented on it on Twitter, I’ve heard detractors say, “So, um, what does this game mean?” It is kind of tough to say when the USMNT is playing a “friendly” that doesn’t have impact on qualification. I mean, I personally never really care, because I love to watch the sport, regardless. That being said, it is a fair point. Unless it is the actual World Cup or the Olympics, what do games really mean? So, I thought I would do a bit of homework to try and bring all the facts together in one place for all those who might need a little context in order to get into the United States’ game tomorrow night against Antigua and Barbuda Friday June 8th at 7 PM in Tampa. 1

The United States will be playing for a chance to be one of 32 teams in the World Cup in 2014. This is their first game of qualifying even though it is the third round in CONCACAF. 2 The United States placed out of the first two rounds.  Overall there were 35 teams vying for three spots and now there are three groups (A, B, C) remaining with four teams each. The United States is the top-ranked team in Group A and will face off against Jamaica, Guatemala and Antigua and Barbuda.

Tables for CONCACAF World Cup qualifying (Source: Wikipedia)

So the USMNT has Antigua and Barbuda on June 8th, then Guatemala on October 16th and Jamaica on September 11th. 3 points for wins and 1 point for draws. Goals scored are used as tie-breakers. The three winners and runners up from this group will be in a hexagonal tourney to finally decide the three entrants to the World Cup. But wait, there’s more. A fourth team from the hex will get the chance to qualify against the Oceania qualifier in a home and away play-off. USMNT fans will obviously hope to not have to deal with that by winning their group and then being one of the top three teams in the hex.

Regardless of all that, the road to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil kicks off tomorrow night, June 8th 2012 against Antigua and Barbuda. They went 5-1 in the previous round. They beat Curaçao twice, outscored the U.S. Virgin Islands 18-1 over two matches and split with Haiti.

The United States have a new coach in Jurgen Klinsmann, but this is the first meaningful action for his squads since he took over. The U.S. is in a position to get off on the right foot too.

For the U.S., three points against Antigua and Barbuda are an absolute gimme. The Benna Boys are ranked 100th in the world, they play their home matches in a cricket stadium because their soccer stadium was deemed unfit by FIFA and rejected, and their best players are Dexter Blackstock and Mikele Leigertwood, a pair of Englishmen who qualify for Antigua and Barbuda through their grandparents and have not played with the national team this year.

With that said, it should be a fine way to start qualification. Jamaica and Guatemala won’t be cakewalks, but this first game really should be. It is also a good time to get your feet wet with meaningful U.S. soccer as we look ahead to the 2014 World Cup. If you’re scared, just turn it on, jump on twitter and search for #USMNT to see what the chatter is all about. More than likely you’ll have fun.

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  1. Yes, Antigua and Barbuda is is just one soccer team. [back]
  2. The Confederation of North, Central American, and Caribbean Association of Football – yes, I looked that up. [back]

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  • mgbode

    is samuels, cousins or masterson playing for Jamaica?

  • baclap

    That game against Jamaica will be played here in Columbus at Crew stadium. If you’re even remotely interested in USMNT you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to see them here in Ohio.

  • Vindictive_Pat

    They’re all part of the bobsled team with Ziggy Marley.

  • Vindictive_Pat

    I’m a big USMNT fan, so I’m glad to see a post on world cup qualifying.  USA shouldn’t have much trouble getting out of this round, but things will get a lot more difficult in the next round.  FYI, the team also plays @Guatemala on June 12, but good luck finding it on TV.  The US soccer web site says “pay-per-view” and “ustream.tv” whatever that is.

  • mgbode

    and coached by Herschel Walker

  • Vindictive_Pat

    I see that you know your Jamaicans.  I and I been in Babylon too long?

  • Mark

    I saw them last week vs Brazil here in DC. The crowd was great. It was a blast.

  • http://twitter.com/bbo13 B-bo

    Nice work, Craig. Hoping to see the team discussed here more as the qualifying process rolls along.
    I, too, am one of those folks who loves the game regardless of the stakes. And friendlies do have genuine value in terms of shaking out the roster, looking for chemistry, and getting some young guys run with the more seasoned players, and working on tactics. They’ve been even more important, as one might imagine, given the coaching change. Klinsmann was a terrific player and has a great mind for the game, but he has to get a feel for what he’s working with. While the results of friendlies may be of little consequence, they do contribute to that process. And performances like the one against Scotland help to build up buzz with the general public (though the Scots are not a good side, and getting worked by Brazil and looking dull against Canada didn’t help that cause), which we need. While our qualifying group shouldn’t offer much challenge on the field, we do need to be in top form when the nearly inevitable match with Mexico comes along.

    I know soccer isn’t everyone’s particular cup of tea, but it really can be a wonderful sport to watch if you are willing to take the time to understand the game beyond “guys running around kicking a ball”. Like hockey, you don’t need a high-scoring affair to have a genuinely exciting match. For those who may be indifferent or even opposed to the sport, I highly recommend taking in a match in a social setting (Google “Landon Donovan Algeria reactions if you don’t believe me), or, as Craig recommends, follow along on Twitter at least. It really does help you understand the intensity of the sport and why so many love it so dearly. With the qualifiers starting and Euro 2012 set to kick off, now is as good a time as any to acclimate yourself to the game.

  • mgbode

    you can’t educate I

  • http://twitter.com/Dennymayo Denny

    I love the United States Mutant Ninja Turtles

  • FearTheRoo

    Teal Bunbury better get some PT! Would be great to see an Akron grad in the world cup!!

  • baclap

    Good points. High scoring games are definitely exciting but soccer gets really fun when you can appreciate good midfield play and defense. Chelsea didn’t light anyone up in their Champion’s League run but those game were still intense.