Sports Illustrated recently published a series of web posts describing the state of qualifying in every FIFA region. A link to each post is below:
AFC
CAF
CONCACAF
CONMEBOL
UEFA
The Oceanic Confederation is absent, but that is because New Zealand has already won that region's final qualification stage. As a result, they are waiting for CONCACAF to finish its Hexagonal, after which they will play a home-and-home series with the 4th place finisher in CONCACAF.
Also, Brazil has an automatic entry into the World Cup 2014 field as they are the host nation.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Tebow
On June 11, 2013 Tim Tebow's 40 44 days in the desert off of an NFL roster finally ended when the New England Patriots signed him to their 90-man roster. What does this all mean, other than the internet exploding from all of the Tebow coverage? Well, let's answer a series of questions below from "M.K. in R.I." to try to cover it all.
Why did Tim Tebow choose the Patriots?
Simple, he didn't have any other options. Fair or not, teams shied away from Tebow. His supporters decry this, as Tebow a) took his team to the 2011/2012 playoffs and b) won a playoff game, which is actually more than Peyton Manning can say right now (zing!) Of course that's a gross oversimplification and the fact that the Broncos were so eager to move on from Tebow should speak volumes.
The fact of the matter is Tebow is a below-average NFL quarterback with fundamental accuracy issues. He cannot run a traditional NFL offense (and before you say it, RG3 and Colin Kaepernick CAN run traditional NFL offenses), and he has a fairly large and very vocal band of supporters who will clamor for him as loudly and annoyingly as possible.
This turned off many teams.
Okay, so why didn't it turn off the Patriots?
Have you noticed how the Patriots do things under Bill Belichick? Belichick takes perverse pleasure in giving the media nothing. His press conference yesterday was 9 minutes long, and featured a whole bunch of non-answers. Today, much of the national media who showed up yesterday was gone. It simply doesn't make sense to fly people to Foxborough to cover the Tebow addition if you can't get anything resembling a decent sound byte from anyone. Remember, this is the team that suspended Wes Welker for a couple of series of a playoff game because he subtly and indirectly made fun of the Rex Ryan foot fetish video in a press conference earlier that week. Right or wrong, the Patriots are the best team in the NFL in controlling the message.
So why make the move from a football perspective?
The reports suggested the move was to bring in Tebow as the #3 quarterback as well as try him out at tight end.
Maybe that's the truth, but I don't buy the tight end part. If there's one position where this team is stacked, it's tight end. Yes, Gronkowski is hurt, but current reports indicate he should be ready for the season. They still have Aaron Hernandez, they have Jake Ballard who had a good 2011 before missing all of last year with a knee injury. They have the bane of broadcasters everywhere, Michael Hoomanawanui, who's a good blocking tight end. And they have Daniel Fells, who has played in 58 NFL games on the roster.
And you're going to tell me that Tim Tebow, who has only played quarterback, who isn't particularly fast, and who has never been asked to block before, is going to give the Patriots something at tight end? No. It's not happening.
So why is he here?
The Patriots are looking to see he has any upside as a backup quarterback, and whether or not he can push current backup Ryan Mallett. Remember, current Patriots OC Josh McDaniels traded up and used a 1st round pick on Tim Tebow when he was in charge in Denver, so he's probably the biggest supporter of Tim Tebow's in the NFL. There may be some hubris involved (sure, no one else could get much out of him, but I can), but it doesn't cost the Patriots anything to give it a try (Tebow's contract reportedly has no guaranteed money in it, so the Patriots can cut him anytime with no salary cap or money issues).
Either
a) Tim Tebow shows enough promise to be Tom Brady's backup, meaning the Patriots can try and trade Ryan Mallett for draft pick(s)
b) Tim Tebow's existence pushes Mallett to be even better to hold off Tebow's challenge, improving the New England backup quarterback position
c) Tebow doesn't show enough to do either (a) or (b), and the Patriots cut him for no cost
Wait, what about using him as a change up QB or running the read option like those other quarterbacks did last year?
The read option was so dangerous when RG3, Russell Wilson, or Colin Kaepernick ran it last season because all 3 of those players are great passers AND great runners. Without the very real threat of the pass, teams can shut down the read option without too much trouble.
In fact, the read option without the threat of the throw is essentially the wildcat, which the Miami Dolphins used to take the league by surprise in 2008 but had all but died out by last season. Essentially, the wildcat is the read option with a running back taking the snap.
Can Tebow work in a change-up package that utilizes his running skills? Sure. It's what the Jets said they were going to do last year. Here's the problem: taking Mark Sanchez off of the field for a change up package makes sense. Taking Tom Brady off of the field if you're trying to score points? Never makes sense. Brady's too good of a quarterback. Taking him off of the field (or taking the ball out of his hands) helps the other team. They'd much rather have to deal with the Tebow package then try to stop Brady. The Patriots know this, so they're not going to mess around with their offense at all.
So is this a McDaniels move or a Belichick move?
This is a theory I heard on local sports radio the other day: that this signing shows how much faith the Patriots braintrust has in Josh McDaniels and perhaps shows the power he wields in the organization.
That's ridiculous. Nothing happens without Belichick's blessing. The guy's made 5 Super Bowls in 13 seasons! He won 3 of them in a 4-year span! I don't care that the last win was in 2004/2005, Belichick is essentially here until he doesn't want to be anymore. Maybe Belichick trusts Josh and was convinced to try it, but Belichick absolutely is 100% on-board with the move.
Okay, so what's the end result?
Normally with a project like Tebow at the quarterback position, a team would stash him on its practice squad and have their coaches work on developing the rougher aspects of his game. Tebow has been on the active roster for too many games for that to be an option, so he would have to be carried on their 53-man roster to stick with the Patriots for the season.
It says here that won't happen. Tebow isn't going to make substantial enough strides in 3 months to convince the Patriots to part with Ryan Mallett as the backup. And the Patriots value their roster spots too highly to carry 3 quarterbacks when one is Tom Brady and another is still young enough to be improving. The only way Tebow sticks around is if he shows some sort of versatility to make himself more valuable to the Patriots. I just don't see where that position is.
Tight end? Nope, see above.
Wide receiver? No, neither his speed nor his hands are up to snuff.
Running back? No, he's not a unique runner, he's a unique runner for a quarterback, big difference.
Fullback? This is his best shot, but I still don't see it. Can he even block? And Belichick won't necessarily even carry a fullback.
Linebacker? No, too slow and when's the last time he even tried to tackle someone?
So in the end, the Patriots will kick the tires, but Tebow will not be on the opening day roster of the New England Patriots, unless either Tom Brady or Ryan Mallett get injured.
Okay, thanks for the info. By the way, who did New England cut to make way for Tebow?
Former Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka. Which means my dream is alive.
See, that's pretty close to my name. Better yet, when I played sports in college, early on I was given the nickname "Kafka" which has stuck ever since. So getting a Seahawks jersey with Kafka on the back is very much a dream of mine. Problem is, there are only two ways for this to happen:
1) Order a customized jersey and put Kafka on it. This is not going to happen. I don't play for the Seahawks, so my name doesn't get to go on the jersey. That's the rule. It is non-negotiable.
2) Have the Seahawks sign Kafka, then order a jersey. Even if I have to order a customized one, in this case it is legit.
So, as I said above, my dream for a Kafka jersey is alive. ALIVE!!!! What's that?
Jacksonville Jaguars: Destroyers of dreams (and not just those of their fans)
Why did Tim Tebow choose the Patriots?
Simple, he didn't have any other options. Fair or not, teams shied away from Tebow. His supporters decry this, as Tebow a) took his team to the 2011/2012 playoffs and b) won a playoff game, which is actually more than Peyton Manning can say right now (zing!) Of course that's a gross oversimplification and the fact that the Broncos were so eager to move on from Tebow should speak volumes.
The fact of the matter is Tebow is a below-average NFL quarterback with fundamental accuracy issues. He cannot run a traditional NFL offense (and before you say it, RG3 and Colin Kaepernick CAN run traditional NFL offenses), and he has a fairly large and very vocal band of supporters who will clamor for him as loudly and annoyingly as possible.
This turned off many teams.
Okay, so why didn't it turn off the Patriots?
Have you noticed how the Patriots do things under Bill Belichick? Belichick takes perverse pleasure in giving the media nothing. His press conference yesterday was 9 minutes long, and featured a whole bunch of non-answers. Today, much of the national media who showed up yesterday was gone. It simply doesn't make sense to fly people to Foxborough to cover the Tebow addition if you can't get anything resembling a decent sound byte from anyone. Remember, this is the team that suspended Wes Welker for a couple of series of a playoff game because he subtly and indirectly made fun of the Rex Ryan foot fetish video in a press conference earlier that week. Right or wrong, the Patriots are the best team in the NFL in controlling the message.
So why make the move from a football perspective?
The reports suggested the move was to bring in Tebow as the #3 quarterback as well as try him out at tight end.
Maybe that's the truth, but I don't buy the tight end part. If there's one position where this team is stacked, it's tight end. Yes, Gronkowski is hurt, but current reports indicate he should be ready for the season. They still have Aaron Hernandez, they have Jake Ballard who had a good 2011 before missing all of last year with a knee injury. They have the bane of broadcasters everywhere, Michael Hoomanawanui, who's a good blocking tight end. And they have Daniel Fells, who has played in 58 NFL games on the roster.
And you're going to tell me that Tim Tebow, who has only played quarterback, who isn't particularly fast, and who has never been asked to block before, is going to give the Patriots something at tight end? No. It's not happening.
So why is he here?
The Patriots are looking to see he has any upside as a backup quarterback, and whether or not he can push current backup Ryan Mallett. Remember, current Patriots OC Josh McDaniels traded up and used a 1st round pick on Tim Tebow when he was in charge in Denver, so he's probably the biggest supporter of Tim Tebow's in the NFL. There may be some hubris involved (sure, no one else could get much out of him, but I can), but it doesn't cost the Patriots anything to give it a try (Tebow's contract reportedly has no guaranteed money in it, so the Patriots can cut him anytime with no salary cap or money issues).
Either
a) Tim Tebow shows enough promise to be Tom Brady's backup, meaning the Patriots can try and trade Ryan Mallett for draft pick(s)
b) Tim Tebow's existence pushes Mallett to be even better to hold off Tebow's challenge, improving the New England backup quarterback position
c) Tebow doesn't show enough to do either (a) or (b), and the Patriots cut him for no cost
Wait, what about using him as a change up QB or running the read option like those other quarterbacks did last year?
The read option was so dangerous when RG3, Russell Wilson, or Colin Kaepernick ran it last season because all 3 of those players are great passers AND great runners. Without the very real threat of the pass, teams can shut down the read option without too much trouble.
In fact, the read option without the threat of the throw is essentially the wildcat, which the Miami Dolphins used to take the league by surprise in 2008 but had all but died out by last season. Essentially, the wildcat is the read option with a running back taking the snap.
Can Tebow work in a change-up package that utilizes his running skills? Sure. It's what the Jets said they were going to do last year. Here's the problem: taking Mark Sanchez off of the field for a change up package makes sense. Taking Tom Brady off of the field if you're trying to score points? Never makes sense. Brady's too good of a quarterback. Taking him off of the field (or taking the ball out of his hands) helps the other team. They'd much rather have to deal with the Tebow package then try to stop Brady. The Patriots know this, so they're not going to mess around with their offense at all.
So is this a McDaniels move or a Belichick move?
This is a theory I heard on local sports radio the other day: that this signing shows how much faith the Patriots braintrust has in Josh McDaniels and perhaps shows the power he wields in the organization.
That's ridiculous. Nothing happens without Belichick's blessing. The guy's made 5 Super Bowls in 13 seasons! He won 3 of them in a 4-year span! I don't care that the last win was in 2004/2005, Belichick is essentially here until he doesn't want to be anymore. Maybe Belichick trusts Josh and was convinced to try it, but Belichick absolutely is 100% on-board with the move.
Okay, so what's the end result?
Normally with a project like Tebow at the quarterback position, a team would stash him on its practice squad and have their coaches work on developing the rougher aspects of his game. Tebow has been on the active roster for too many games for that to be an option, so he would have to be carried on their 53-man roster to stick with the Patriots for the season.
It says here that won't happen. Tebow isn't going to make substantial enough strides in 3 months to convince the Patriots to part with Ryan Mallett as the backup. And the Patriots value their roster spots too highly to carry 3 quarterbacks when one is Tom Brady and another is still young enough to be improving. The only way Tebow sticks around is if he shows some sort of versatility to make himself more valuable to the Patriots. I just don't see where that position is.
Tight end? Nope, see above.
Wide receiver? No, neither his speed nor his hands are up to snuff.
Running back? No, he's not a unique runner, he's a unique runner for a quarterback, big difference.
Fullback? This is his best shot, but I still don't see it. Can he even block? And Belichick won't necessarily even carry a fullback.
Linebacker? No, too slow and when's the last time he even tried to tackle someone?
So in the end, the Patriots will kick the tires, but Tebow will not be on the opening day roster of the New England Patriots, unless either Tom Brady or Ryan Mallett get injured.
Okay, thanks for the info. By the way, who did New England cut to make way for Tebow?
Former Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka. Which means my dream is alive.
See, that's pretty close to my name. Better yet, when I played sports in college, early on I was given the nickname "Kafka" which has stuck ever since. So getting a Seahawks jersey with Kafka on the back is very much a dream of mine. Problem is, there are only two ways for this to happen:
1) Order a customized jersey and put Kafka on it. This is not going to happen. I don't play for the Seahawks, so my name doesn't get to go on the jersey. That's the rule. It is non-negotiable.
2) Have the Seahawks sign Kafka, then order a jersey. Even if I have to order a customized one, in this case it is legit.
So, as I said above, my dream for a Kafka jersey is alive. ALIVE!!!! What's that?
Jaguars awarded QB Mike Kafka off waivers from New England and waive second-year TE Matt Veldman.
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@jaguars) June 11, 2013
Jacksonville Jaguars: Destroyers of dreams (and not just those of their fans)
CONCACAF Hexagonal Update
Schedule/Results:
Updated Table:
For a discussion of the Pts/15 and Pts/20 columns, see the After 1 game report
The Games:
Jamaica finished off a disastrous June with their 3rd loss in 3 games, effectively ending their chances to qualify for Brazil 2014 with a 2-0 road loss to Honduras.
Mexico completed their 3rd home match of the Hex, and they earned the same 0-0 draw they earned in their other 2 home losses. Thanks to ESPN, I was able to see the last 30 minutes of this match. During that time, Costa Rica was in their defensive shell, and Mexico was desperately trying to crack their defense. However, the way they tried to do it was...well, American. Lots and lots of balls played to the outside, then crossed in hoping to find a Mexico head in the sea of bodies inside the 18 yard line.
That's not Mexico's strength. There was very little (if any) attacks up the middle with quick passes or give-and-go's. That's what has made Mexico so dangerous in the past, and the absence of this offense was striking. Mexico now moves on to the Confederations Cup, and barring a miraculous turnaround that ends with at least a finals berth in this tournament, Mexico will have a new coach by their next qualifier in September.
As for the United States, the news is mostly good. Yes, they got their 3 points at home with a 2-0 win over Panama. Yes, Jozy Altidore continued his torrid run of play with another goal. Yes, Michael Bradley continued to show his importance to this team by controlling play. And yes, the US carried play throughout this game (save the final 10 minutes), something they did not do under previous coach Bob Bradley.
This might be me being too hard on the national team, but I was left wanting a bit more. I thought that the entire first half was full of US possession, but nothing ever came of it. Altidore's goal was set up beautifully by Bradley and Fabian Johnson, but it came against the run of play. The sustained possession never really converted into serious threatening chances outside of one Bradley shot that was unfortunately blocked by teammate Clint Dempsey.
The second half was much better, and Geoff Cameron's gorgeous ball to Eddie Johnson's perfectly timed run gave the USA some breathing room. The sustained offense was better this half, leading to more dangerous chances on the Panama net. Then with about 10 minutes left in the match, the US retreated into a shell about 20 yards from their net. This allowed Panama plenty of chances for crosses and shots on the US net, and it's only through much luck and occasional brilliance from keeper Tim Howard that Panama didn't get on the scoreboard. After how the Germany and Jamaica games ended, it's disappointing to see that the US failed to make any late-game strategy changes.
Grades (on a 1-10 scale):
Tim Howard - 7 Was his usual strong self all night, culminating in a great jump off his line to deny a Panama forward who had gotten in behind the defense.
DaMarcus Beasley - 6 Another solid game at left back (not his natural position). This grade would be higher except for the stupid yellow card he took at the end of the match, disqualifying him from the USA's next match.
Omar Gonzalez - 5.5 Solid for most of the night, but lost a Panama player behind him in stoppage time that should have led to a goal had Howard not saved his bacon.
Matt Besler - 6.5 Solid all night. Good job distributing the ball, did a great job covering for Brad Evans all night.
Brad Evans - 4 Not a good night from Evans. Did fine with the ball at his feet, but was beaten far too often by his man, leading to cross or shot opportunities where his teammates had to bail him out. A big step back for the "Evans as our right back solution" train.
Geoff Cameron - 7 Did a great job as a defensive midfielder alongside Bradley. And his long ball delivery on Eddie Johnson's goal was tremendous. Jermaine Jones should not be simply handed this job back when he gets healthy.
Michael Bradley - 8 Best player on the field. Controlled play well, was all over the place as usual, and picked his spots brilliantly, including his choice to attack in the first half that led to Altidore's goal. The best news, in the sea of yellow cards handed out at the end of the game, Bradley avoided one and thus will be available for the Honduras game.
Fabian Johnson - 6 Great delivery on Altidore's goal. But most of his other crosses were off all night.
Clint Dempsey - 6.5 He'd like that rebound attempt back that he bounced over the crossbar. He was bullied for much of the night and didn't have his usual impact in the attacking half of the field.
Eddie Johnson - 6.5 Terrific run and finish on his goal, but again, his crosses left much to be desired on the night.
Jozy Altidore - 7.5 Scored his 3rd goal in as many games, and earned a penalty that was (incorrectly) not given. To his credit, rather than go into a funk he got fired up and scored his goal a minute or two later. Did well in his usual holding forward role, though some of his passes weren't up to snuff.
Subs
Joe Corona - NR
Brad Davis - NR
Stuart Holden - NR
None of the subs were put on with enough time to make any sort of assessment.
Coach
Jurgen Klinsmann - 6 The US continued to control play against their non-Mexico CONCACAF opponents (as they should), and both of his (forced) lineup switches worked out beautifully (Cameron and Eddie Johnson, who combined on the second goal). But 1) the US changed how they played for the final 10-15 minutes, and it almost led to another late goal, and 2) Why wait so late to make any substitution? An injection of fresh legs wouldn't have helped anywhere with a 2-0 lead? Or better yet, taking off someone to avoid them picking up a cheap yellow card to cause them to miss the next game (as there were a half-dozen players in this situation)?
Quick Hex Math:
Since 1998, 7 teams (not including the US this year have accumulated at least 10 points in the Hex after 5 games.
Date
|
Home
|
Score (H)
|
Score (A)
|
Away
|
Hex Game
|
4-Jun
|
Jamaica
|
0
|
1
|
Mexico
|
6
|
7-Jun
|
Costa Rica
|
1
|
0
|
Honduras
|
4
|
7-Jun
|
Jamaica
|
1
|
2
|
United States
|
4
|
7-Jun
|
Panama
|
0
|
0
|
Mexico
|
4
|
11-Jun
|
Honduras
|
2
|
0
|
Jamaica
|
5
|
11-Jun
|
Mexico
|
0
|
0
|
Costa Rica
|
5
|
11-Jun
|
United States
|
2
|
0
|
Panama
|
5
|
18-Jun
|
Costa Rica
|
Panama
|
6
|
||
18-Jun
|
United States
|
Honduras
|
6
|
Updated Table:
Hex
|
GP
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
GD
|
GF
|
GA
|
Pnt
|
Pts/15
|
Pts/20
|
|
United States
|
5
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
6
|
3
|
10
|
15
|
21
|
|
Costa Rica
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
5
|
3
|
8
|
15
|
19
|
|
Mexico
|
6
|
1
|
5
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
2
|
8
|
9
|
16
|
|
Honduras
|
5
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
0
|
6
|
6
|
7
|
13
|
16
|
|
Panama
|
5
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
0
|
5
|
5
|
6
|
11
|
15
|
|
Jamaica
|
6
|
0
|
2
|
4
|
-6
|
2
|
8
|
2
|
7
|
10
|
The Games:
Jamaica finished off a disastrous June with their 3rd loss in 3 games, effectively ending their chances to qualify for Brazil 2014 with a 2-0 road loss to Honduras.
Mexico completed their 3rd home match of the Hex, and they earned the same 0-0 draw they earned in their other 2 home losses. Thanks to ESPN, I was able to see the last 30 minutes of this match. During that time, Costa Rica was in their defensive shell, and Mexico was desperately trying to crack their defense. However, the way they tried to do it was...well, American. Lots and lots of balls played to the outside, then crossed in hoping to find a Mexico head in the sea of bodies inside the 18 yard line.
That's not Mexico's strength. There was very little (if any) attacks up the middle with quick passes or give-and-go's. That's what has made Mexico so dangerous in the past, and the absence of this offense was striking. Mexico now moves on to the Confederations Cup, and barring a miraculous turnaround that ends with at least a finals berth in this tournament, Mexico will have a new coach by their next qualifier in September.
As for the United States, the news is mostly good. Yes, they got their 3 points at home with a 2-0 win over Panama. Yes, Jozy Altidore continued his torrid run of play with another goal. Yes, Michael Bradley continued to show his importance to this team by controlling play. And yes, the US carried play throughout this game (save the final 10 minutes), something they did not do under previous coach Bob Bradley.
This might be me being too hard on the national team, but I was left wanting a bit more. I thought that the entire first half was full of US possession, but nothing ever came of it. Altidore's goal was set up beautifully by Bradley and Fabian Johnson, but it came against the run of play. The sustained possession never really converted into serious threatening chances outside of one Bradley shot that was unfortunately blocked by teammate Clint Dempsey.
The second half was much better, and Geoff Cameron's gorgeous ball to Eddie Johnson's perfectly timed run gave the USA some breathing room. The sustained offense was better this half, leading to more dangerous chances on the Panama net. Then with about 10 minutes left in the match, the US retreated into a shell about 20 yards from their net. This allowed Panama plenty of chances for crosses and shots on the US net, and it's only through much luck and occasional brilliance from keeper Tim Howard that Panama didn't get on the scoreboard. After how the Germany and Jamaica games ended, it's disappointing to see that the US failed to make any late-game strategy changes.
Grades (on a 1-10 scale):
Tim Howard - 7 Was his usual strong self all night, culminating in a great jump off his line to deny a Panama forward who had gotten in behind the defense.
DaMarcus Beasley - 6 Another solid game at left back (not his natural position). This grade would be higher except for the stupid yellow card he took at the end of the match, disqualifying him from the USA's next match.
Omar Gonzalez - 5.5 Solid for most of the night, but lost a Panama player behind him in stoppage time that should have led to a goal had Howard not saved his bacon.
Matt Besler - 6.5 Solid all night. Good job distributing the ball, did a great job covering for Brad Evans all night.
Brad Evans - 4 Not a good night from Evans. Did fine with the ball at his feet, but was beaten far too often by his man, leading to cross or shot opportunities where his teammates had to bail him out. A big step back for the "Evans as our right back solution" train.
Geoff Cameron - 7 Did a great job as a defensive midfielder alongside Bradley. And his long ball delivery on Eddie Johnson's goal was tremendous. Jermaine Jones should not be simply handed this job back when he gets healthy.
Michael Bradley - 8 Best player on the field. Controlled play well, was all over the place as usual, and picked his spots brilliantly, including his choice to attack in the first half that led to Altidore's goal. The best news, in the sea of yellow cards handed out at the end of the game, Bradley avoided one and thus will be available for the Honduras game.
Fabian Johnson - 6 Great delivery on Altidore's goal. But most of his other crosses were off all night.
Clint Dempsey - 6.5 He'd like that rebound attempt back that he bounced over the crossbar. He was bullied for much of the night and didn't have his usual impact in the attacking half of the field.
Eddie Johnson - 6.5 Terrific run and finish on his goal, but again, his crosses left much to be desired on the night.
Jozy Altidore - 7.5 Scored his 3rd goal in as many games, and earned a penalty that was (incorrectly) not given. To his credit, rather than go into a funk he got fired up and scored his goal a minute or two later. Did well in his usual holding forward role, though some of his passes weren't up to snuff.
Subs
Joe Corona - NR
Brad Davis - NR
Stuart Holden - NR
None of the subs were put on with enough time to make any sort of assessment.
Coach
Jurgen Klinsmann - 6 The US continued to control play against their non-Mexico CONCACAF opponents (as they should), and both of his (forced) lineup switches worked out beautifully (Cameron and Eddie Johnson, who combined on the second goal). But 1) the US changed how they played for the final 10-15 minutes, and it almost led to another late goal, and 2) Why wait so late to make any substitution? An injection of fresh legs wouldn't have helped anywhere with a 2-0 lead? Or better yet, taking off someone to avoid them picking up a cheap yellow card to cause them to miss the next game (as there were a half-dozen players in this situation)?
Quick Hex Math:
Since 1998, 7 teams (not including the US this year have accumulated at least 10 points in the Hex after 5 games.
- 6 qualified (the lone exception? Costa Rica in 2010, who scored only 4 points in their final 5 games, finished 4th, and lost to Uruguay in a playoff)
- 4 won the group (meaning the group winner ALWAYS had at least 10 points after 5 games)
- Those 7 teams averaged 19.7 points at the end of qualification.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
CONCACAF Hexagonal, June Bad Call Edition
Schedule/Results:
|
Date
|
Home
|
Score (H)
|
Score (A)
|
Away
|
Hex Game
|
|
4-Jun
|
Jamaica
|
0
|
1
|
Mexico
|
6
|
|
7-Jun
|
Costa Rica
|
1
|
0
|
Honduras
|
4
|
|
7-Jun
|
Jamaica
|
1
|
2
|
United States
|
4
|
|
7-Jun
|
Panama
|
0
|
0
|
Mexico
|
4
|
|
11-Jun
|
Honduras
|
|
|
Jamaica
|
5
|
|
11-Jun
|
Mexico
|
|
|
Costa Rica
|
5
|
|
11-Jun
|
United States
|
|
|
Panama
|
5
|
|
18-Jun
|
Costa Rica
|
|
|
Panama
|
6
|
|
18-Jun
|
United States
|
|
|
Honduras
|
6
|
Updated Table:
|
Hex
|
GP
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
GD
|
GF
|
GA
|
Pnt
|
Pts/15
|
Pts/20
|
|
|
Costa Rica
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
5
|
3
|
7
|
15
|
19
|
|
|
United States
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
3
|
7
|
15
|
21
|
|
|
Mexico
|
5
|
1
|
4
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
2
|
7
|
11
|
18
|
|
|
Panama
|
4
|
1
|
3
|
0
|
2
|
5
|
3
|
6
|
11
|
16
|
|
|
Honduras
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
-2
|
4
|
6
|
4
|
13
|
16
|
|
|
Jamaica
|
5
|
0
|
2
|
3
|
-4
|
2
|
6
|
2
|
7
|
11
|
Question: what on earth is happening with Mexico? The win against Jamaica was surely going to kick-start this team out of its slumber, right? As you can see above, another listless scoreless draw later, that does not appear to be the case.
It's not even the lack of results (well, it kind of is), but their inability to put the ball in the net is perplexing. Only Jamaica has scored fewer goals so far in the Hex, and Jamaica is pretty clearly the 6th team in this 6-team Hex.
I would prefer to talk about the game, but thanks to it being on beIn Sport, I couldn't watch it. Judging by the looks of the telecast from the highlights I saw, beIn Sport may simply be a high school production club. Thanks for putting money over fans, US Soccer/FIFA, well done.
Okay, let's get to the bad call:
See the guy in the yellow shirt on the very left of the mass of people? That's the Jamaican player who scored the tying goal in the 89th minute of Friday's USA-Jamaica game. This player is clearly in an offside position (less than 2 players between him and the goal he's trying to score on) at the time the kick is taken.
The linesman (light blue shirt just above the "JAM" in the score box near the top of the screen) should see this (and raise his flag to signal it). Why doesn't he? I'm not sure. But he's clearly out of position. A linesman is supposed to align himself with the second closest player to his own goal-line. In the picture above, there are 3 Team USA players closer to their own goal-line (including the not-pictured keeper) than the linesman.
Even with his terrible position, there does not appear to be anything obstructing the linesman's view of the offside player. My best guess? The linesman simply had a brainfart, and focused on the wrong section of the mass of players, and by the time he looked up to the bigger picture, he had no idea where the goalscorer had come from. And if he's not sure, he's not going to make a call.
Luckily for him, and for the US team, they scored less than 4 minutes later to take back the win, but this could have been a disastrous embarrassment for CONCACAF.
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