USMNT World Cup Qualifying: Bold Predictions for the Hexagonal

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: January 9, 2013

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As we prepare to enter the CONCACAF hexagonal World Cup qualifiers, what else can sports writers do except offer their bold predictions for how things will turn out?

As the name implies, the hex is comprised of six national teams. Those six play 10 games through the year, with a home and away game against each of the other five sides.

After 10 games, the top three qualify for the 2014 World Cup. Fourth place will enter a playoff against the winner of the Oceania Confederation.

The following prognostications are based on a rigorous mock run-through the complete hexagonal schedule. It was practically a scientific endeavor.

We can confirm that any rumors of Bleacher Report trained monkeys tossing darts as part of the predictive process are simply untrue. Trained monkeys have to be fed, while there exists no organization like PETA to ensure such humane treatment of sports writers.

 

After Three, USMNT Finds Itself Dead Last

The first phase of games are played in the winter and early spring. The hex opens for all teams on Feb. 6, and resumes on March 22 and March 26.



The USMNT travels to Honduras for the hex opener. The defense-dominated match results in a tie. American fans are mildly disappointed, but also relieved with the first road point.

Placated by that result, and having a month and a half before the next game, the USMNT can’t help but look past the March 22 home game with Costa Rica toward the Estadio Azteca date in Mexico City four days later.

That proves to be a costly mistake, as the Americans lose both.

For Costa Rica, the win at the U.S. has added significance. Four years prior, the U.S. found a stoppage-time equalizer against Costa Rica in the last qualifier.

The Ticos, who seemed to have that 2009 game in hand, needed more than a point to avoid fourth place and a qualifying playoff against ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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