The Stars and Stripes finds out its Gold Cup opponents; DaMarcus Beasley continues to make a case for more playing time; FIFA rankings, SCHMEFIFA rankings.
BY
Noah Davis
Posted
March 14, 2013
8:50 AM
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The United States national team will play Belize, Cuba, and Costa Rica in the Gold Cup. “We are excited about this summer’s Gold Cup,” coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. “The tournament improves every cycle and the level gets better and better. As the host, we get to play in different venues across the country, which is great for our fans. At the end of the day, we want to do well and make sure people understand that we want to be dominant in our region. Our goal is to win the competition.” The final is in Soldier Field on July 28.
The U.S. falls to 33rd in the FIFA world rankings, right between Hungary and Algeria. Spain is No. 1, because Spain is always No. 1. Mexico checks in at 15. Costa Rica, who the Americans play on the 22nd, is 53, four spots behind Honduras. So many numbers.
The Club Tijuana fairytale slammed into a wall as the Mexican side fell 3-0 to Corinthians in Brazil. Alexandre Pato scored the opener and it was all samba after that. Greg Garza and Joe Corona played for the losers, who still should advance out of their group.
DaMarcus Beasley found the back of the net in Puebla's Copa MX match Pachuca. The match went to penalties, with Puebla prevailing 5-3. Michael Orozco Fiscal saw two yellow cards.
UPDATED: It seems as though American U-20 defender Juan Pablo Ocegueda will not play for Chivas de Guadalajara after all. The Mexican club wanted to send him to Chivas USA, but MLS rules prohibit that from happening. He's still owned by Tigres, but will have to enter a weighted lottery if he wants to come back to the American league. (h/t )
Howard C. Smith/isiphotos.com
