U.S. and T&T Face Must Win Match
The American path to the 2010 FIFA World Cup becomes clearer with each match played, and despite being on the road, tonight's encounter with Trinidad and Tobago can realistically be called a ‘must win’ match if the U.S. wants have breathing room down the stretch.
The U.S. schedule has played into their hands with back to back matches against the bottom two teams in the group, El Salvador last Saturday and Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday night, but it means nothing if the Red, White and Blue can not match Saturday’s win by taking the full points against T&T to put themselves in good position heading into the final two matchdays.
The challenge is more difficult than on the weekend with the U.S. traveling on the road to Hasely Crawford Stadium where they lost 2-1 in the semifinal phase of 2010 World Cup that ended a seven match unbeaten run in World Cup qualifying for the U.S.
Bob Bradley’s side will also be facing a team on the brink of elimination. The Soca Warriors will be eliminated with a USA win or if Costa Rica and Mexico do not lose on Wednesday. But T&T head coach Russell Latapy has opted to play this with his full squad and not turn to the future and test younger players as many in the local press called for.
With Jay DeMerit out while nursing a strained left groin, the U.S. defense will be pleased to have the return of big man Oguchi Onyewu. The recent A.C. Milan signing will bolster the backline with size, experience and confidence to help the side get into attack.
With the more composed backline the midfield unit will have more freedom and Landon Donovan will no doubt once again pace the central unit and be the key to getting the U.S. in attacking positions.
The biggest question heading into the match is the fitness of Charlie Davies. The FC Sochaux striker has been critical in the U.S. recent form and suffered a contusion on his left calf against El Salvador although is expected to be available for selection on Wednesday.
The U.S. holds a commanding 15-2-3 record in the series dating back to 1982, with 32 goals scored and 10 conceded. All eight of the USA’s matches in Trinidad have been held in Port-of-Spain, where the U.S. holds a 4-2-2 record.
In other CONCACAF Matchday 8 matches, El Salvador plays host to Costa Rica at Estadio Cuscatlan and Honduras looks for a massive result against Mexico in Estadio Azteca.
(soccer365.com)
