We're actually in a really similar spot as last cycle when we missed out. With 4 games to go, beat Panama and Honduras at home, things anybody qualifying for the WC should do fairly routinely, and you're in. Fail to do so and you're looking at a final fixture away game, and a damn harder one in Costa Rica than T&T last cycle, to assure qualifying.

First point is key - there is a threshold of quality where it goes beyond tactics and prep.

In retrospect...should we have been surprised that a midfield of Modric, Rakitic and Brozovic in 2018 ripped thru that WC? Best midfield trio in the world at that time...just like the Spaniards & Germans noted above.

And let's not talk about that French team getting the (VAR) job done.

It absolutely matters, but it's also more quantifiable than people realize. Herdman's off-field prep & communication with his players is outstanding. Guys come into camp knowing exactly what their role is, and what the expectations are. He's got full buy-in from a very talented generation - that's a scary combo.

I distinctly remember being at BMO for 2015 Gold Cup, going out of group stage w/o single goal scored and missing out on Copa America Centennario. Felt like we'd just taken yet another step back from 8-1 San Pedro Sula from a couple years earlier. Those Benito Floro teams were sooooooo horrific to watch - unprepared, weak, just pathetic across the pitch.

The jump from that to now is just mindblowing, it really is.

Curious as to how it's quantifiable?

it's not

but "we've been winning with more than the sum of our parts so it must be WIM and all that spirit! gosh gee golly!"

entire usmnt today tripling down on "perfect gameplan, and we played great, just unlucky"


you really do hate to see it, extremely sad delusions

Really just the saddest most pathetic stuff. Hope we don't qualify and Pulisic switches to Croatia, Reyna to Germany and McKennie find another country somewhere. These guys deserve better than Gregg, Zardes and USSF

I assume you're just clowning but this isn't possible lol

also not seeing any comments

me neither. seems like the usmnt are on to honduras now (as they should be)

the only one I've heard talking today is larin declaring canada the best team in concacaf and the usa are scared of them.

sweatpants also said they're scared lol

****ing dorks

There's not really a good thread to post this in, but holy ****, Colombia is 20 minutes away from a 7th match in a row without scoring in CONMEBOL WCQ. They looked like a lock to qualify and now are probably finished even for the playoff. Just an unreal meltdown.

Gregggg might actually be a better manager than Reinaldo Rueda.

Yeah I watched Col v Peru the other day and they just passed it horizontally around the low block with very few threatening shots and gave up a counter goal also

spiderman.meme

I parlayed Panama/CR/Honduras all to get a result tomorrow. It was 23/1 and I feel like it should be even money.

is there a bet for all 3 to not get a result? I like that side

Of course I know that's not possible. Smh

Ya by all quantifiable offensive numbers he's the most creative player in the world basically but obviously he's been pretty bad in your book.

Wait you think trent has been good and up to his world class standard the past 2 months?

Hes the best RB and one of the most creative players in the world. Which is why his last 2 months or so have been so head scratching. He's been incredibly poor defensively, much worse than he's been at any point in his career to date. Should prob be a winger. But this is a discussion for the English Football Thread more likely

Stained sweatpants is best goalie in league

Simpsons.gif

Anyone know a sportsbook where I can parlay USA/Mexico/ES to win the time of possession? The actual results are meaningless, the important thing is who possesses the ball more.

Possession is the new xG

Pretty sure possession is the old xG

edit: por que no los dos?

It's big time back like Nintendo and wigwam socks!

The important thing to remember is its not about who scores the most goals. That's archaic outdated thinking

no offense but you guys are sounding like boomer level 0 thinkers, very odd for a poker forum (even though I know none of you even play lol)

same line of thought why Hinkie didn't get a chance