When it comes to World Cup qualifiers, opinions differ on whether it’s better to have your toughest games first or start with the less formidable opponents.
Four years ago, the United States began its fierce hex with a home game against Mexico and an away tilt against Costa Rica. Both games resulted in defeats and then cost manager Jurgen Klinsmann his job. The Americans were left playing a prisoner, and a final defeat to Trinidad and Tobago resulted in their failure to qualify for the first time in 32 years.
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This time, the US has the opposite scenario. In their third to final match, the US will leave Mexico, and the final qualifying day is a departure date against the Ticos. The US has managed just three hits against Mexico in qualifying matches away. The away record against Costa Rica is even worse, with a single draw and nine defeats. The hope, of course, is that the US will have seized an automatic qualifying spot by then, but if that is not the case, a nerve-wracking run could be in store.
Looking at another way, the schedule of games could be an advantage for the US, given that Gregg Berhalter’s site will likely consist of younger players. That lets those who qualify for the CONCACAF World Cup for the first time get their feet under them.
That said, the first game might be off to T and T if the Soca Warriors can move on to the Octagonal, providing an emotional opener. For that reason, Berhalter said he has no worries about the order in which the games come. He realizes that if the 2018 cycle – or even the CONCACAF Nations League – proves anything, it is that the US can take nothing for granted.
“If you go to El Salvador or Trinidad, which you know is our first game and then home against Canada or Haiti, it will be challenging,” Berhalter said. “They will not be easy games. What we are looking for is our boys to continue to develop at their clubs from now until June, and then when we [get] in the camp in, selecting the players who can handle these circumstances. It’s a mindset thing. I think it’s a focus thing, and it just understands that there is only a certain amount we can control and focus on those items that we can control to be successful. “
Berhalter has every reason to be optimistic about the progress of his players. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams are all part of a group of players testing themselves in top leagues. That contingent could grow with Antonee Robinson’s move to Fulham and McKennie’s potential move to the Premier League with Southampton.
“If you think about that left-back position being open and being fought, it’s a good opportunity for Antonee who plays at a high level to prove he is willing and able to be the left-back for the national team, “said Berhalter. “As for Weston, he’s very focused. He’s very focused on challenging himself and raising his level and playing at the highest level possible … and the chance to see Weston in the Premier League for the national team is exciting. “
Indeed, Pulisic remains central to the American team’s perspectives, seeing how unique his attacking skills are on the team. His recovery from a hamstring injury is what Berhalter is controlling.
“We are comfortable,” Berhalter said. “I talked to Christian today. He’s doing well. The leg is doing really well. It’s recovering, it’s healed, and he’s in good spirits, and the club is aiming to get him back as soon as possible. That “We have a lot of confidence in Chelsea. We have a lot of confidence in their medical staff and a lot of confidence in Christian.”
However, Pulisic suffered a bit of an injury in his last year with Borussia Dortmund and in his first year with Chelsea, including an injury to the ankle just before the new year.
“I think this is something we need to look at, but it’s certainly not uncommon,” Berhalter said of Pulisic’s injury history. “You know, there are a lot of players going through this, especially early in their careers, and when his body gets stronger, and because he’s used to those occupied fixtures, I think he’s going to be fine. The important thing “For us and for him and for Chelsea, just continuing to recognize the opportunities to continue to strengthen, and he will be OK.”
Berhalter, like most international managers, has been hampered by the recent lack of opportunities to get his team together. He added that he expects to have a mostly domestic squad in October for a few US-friendly practice matches, and the November window will have more players in Europe, with matches abroad. However, the situation remains fluid given the travel restrictions that may apply.
“We will take that as we come, and because we know more information about travel, we will certainly adapt,” Berhalter said.
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