How Important is Friday's World Cup Qualifier against Costa Rica?
Do you feel a building sense of dread over the coming Hexagonal match? Or are you confident of a victory? Graph your position below and share some thoughts. To read what others have to say, click on any shaded cell.
Posted
March 17, 2013 6:12 PM
March 17, 2013 6:12 PM
Klinsmann's job is on the line
Nice to win, but not necessary
The U.S. will win easily
I'm worried about the match
Klinsmann better be terrified should this game not be a win. Then again, this guy and I don't agree on anything, really. He's probably not concerned at all. I am, mostly because his tactics are incredibly imbalanced, looking at three defensive midfielders, one winger that is actually a striker, and two forwards against Honduras. If he fails again, not only should he be scolded, but Sunil Gulati should offer an official apology to the US Soccer fans after pursuing so desperately pursuing some guy that doesn't have a clue as to what it means to coach the USMNT in a CONCACAF World Cup qualifier.
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PC
As someone who's pretty optimistic about games, I'm worried. Klinsmann doesn't understand CONCACAF opponents and that's what worries me. Being a good player doesn't mean you're a good coach.
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Navi
I think you have to make a move after the Mexico game if we don't have AT LEAST three points from these two games.
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philneezy
the sven comment to the right is spot on.. we should absolutely win in Denver and if we don't then Jurgen will be on the hot seat..
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beto
Mexico had to punt Sven 4 years ago and we're gonna need to punt JK. I think we'll beat Costa Rica, but I still want rid of JK. We can't mess around trying to put glitter on our faces anymore. It's time to put on the battle faces and qualify for the World Cup.
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KXRTI
I think the US responds well and comes out of this weekend with 3-4 points. But if not, desperate times call for desperate measures. Dom or Sigi would be great last minute replacements.
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Tommy
We win.
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Red
I am not really worried about the USMNT dropping this game but without a doubt this is a must win. While I appreciate JK's leadership in those historic friendlies, when it comes to the USMNT it's about getting through the hex and onto Brazil. This is his #1, #2, and #3 job.
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Rough start, let's right the ship
Yes Klinsy finally has an audience with judge & jury
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Rog
Do or Die
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Wuzzle
MUST WIN
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Jordan
He needs to be in the hot seat if we don't win this.
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Caleb
JK tenure has been all flash and no substance so far. Less than 3 points from these two games, and finding a new coach needs to start being discussed.
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Martin
If he doesn't win, he should kiss his job goodbye.
Not qualifying for the World Cup would set the sport back here in the US by a decade - at least.
He's trying to play a style that our players aren't capable of, and his lack of tactical acumen has been exposed.
There's a reason why no one in Europe would touch him after the Bayern Munich job.
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Felix
Team really is a shambles right now. Injuries and Cambodian vacations get part of the blame but a lot of this falls on JK's shoulders. Not at all convinced he's the guy to navigate us through the hex. We should be able to eke out 3 points against Costa Rica. But if we don't...how do you say goodbye in German?
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Brian
I'm scared
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d
First, this is a winnable match. Should we lose then Klinnsman is in trouble, especially if we lose again in Mexico. The best result we can pray for is the US winning and Mexico losing
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Christian
This game is extremely important for the US and Klinsmann. If we leave Mexico City with fewer than 3 points in our first three games he should be canned.
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Rainmaker
Klinsmann is unprepared in spite of having had ample time. He has not built a team; he has some preformed idea of what he wants and ignores reality.
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Excellency
We are the better side so we should win comfortably. We need to maintain possession which will then mean less defending for our inexperienced back line. However, based on how we set up you must question what JK is thinking, anything like the Honduras game though and we are in trouble.
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Brian
It's come down to this: win or we just might be staying home next summer.
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Erik
letlive. is one word.
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letlive. is one word
I have no confidence in our squad right now. Too many key players absent, too little realistic strategic ability from Klinsman. If we lose, everyone will have an excuse to make, but the blame has to start to fall on Klinsmann at some point.
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Ben
Definitely a game the US should win. If we have 0 or 1 point through these first 3 games some serious considerations have to take place about getting rid of Klinsmann. You can only toy with a team so much come WCQ. They need an identity.
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Miles
vital
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asdfggfw
If we lose this game or even just get a draw his seat will be really hot. That said if we can pull off a minor miracle in Mexico City than the heat goes back down. But if we get out of these two games with just one or zero points I think the question must be seriously asked if he must go.
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DanieloftheDale
I don't have very much confidence in an inexperienced defense.
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Drew
His job is on the line, but this game will not have him fired.
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Charles
I must say I am confident we will take 3 or 4 points out of these 2 games as Klinsi should change his formation and tactics to fit the players now. However, if he continues to use the same tactics that have been unimpressive and we don't get points, hr could very well be axed and it wouldn't be unfair.
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JB
Must win
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Joe V
We are the better team and should take care of business at home. Lose or even a draw could see him out of a job
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Jonathan Slape
If we don't put out a line up that can use the width, control the majority of the game, and get 3 points at home I am at the point we need to look at options of reorganizing the coaching staff.
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Jonny A
The injuries and absences for the U.S., combined with the subpar performance in Honduras, have me concerned. If Klinsmann can't deliver this match, at home, he is in trouble.
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JHG
If we loose, Klinsman's position and role will need to be re-evaluated
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Tony
Between the injuries and Klinsman's bizarre lineups, I'm nervous about this HOME match.
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Keith
The fact that I am at all worried about this match says it all about how inconsistent our offense has been
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Chris
It's a critical game, but I don't think Sunil issues a pink slip if we don't win. Having said that, he should win.
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Mike McGrew
Last time we played Costa Rica at a WCQ we squeaked out a draw in the last few minutes, and that ruined their chances. I'm pretty sure they haven't forgot. And With the form the USMNT has been in lately, it's got me really worried about this game, especially breaking in Guzan behind a backline that couldn't stop a nose bleed last game.
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Aaron K
Theoretically the U.S. should be good for a home win, but until they can muster any sort of threatening attack, I'm going to doubt. Klinnsman should be feeling a little heat. A win against CR and a good showing against Mexico should cool things off a bit.
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Halford
Yikes. Like the midfield/forward selections, but the defense...
If we don't beat CR, we're in trouble. Better figure out a way to score some goals, boys.
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Bob
Home game means you need 3 points, plain and simple. Fail to do so - even with the depleted roster - and we're staring the 4th spot in the face as a possible best-case scenario.
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Brad
were boned
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matt
USA!
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Chicagobrian
This game is feeling more and more like a must-win
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Sam
Worst defense we've fielded since the 80's
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ChelseaMatt33
I've got a bad feeling about this
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Jeff
It would be nice to know who we are calling in.
I"m beginning to believe the stories of the mess Bayern Munich was in under Klinsmann
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PanchoMiguelMoralesdeConejo
He should start me at RB
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Match
I'm a bit worried, mostly because of injuries and recent Starting XI choices. I don't think JK's job is on the line unless we lose the first 3 WCQ matches.
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Adam Austin
I just want this game to start already. All this crazy drama during the week. Will it lead to solidarity or disaster? No matter what I stand my our USMNT!
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Rosa
We should be fine, however if we draw or lose the JK era is over.
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Pink
Winning friendlies is nice, but the US have to qualify for WC if he wants to keep his job.
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Sean
I'm always worried about the US. We always play down to competition.
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AndrewCT
3 points for the USA is the only result allowed.
A draw or loss is scary thing with Azteca around the corner.
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adent
were fucked
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boned
Need to win, should win, criticism of Klinnsman goes to Def-con 5 if a loss happens.
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JohnC
I think you mean Defcon 1.
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Nck
Jeurgen scares me. With Bob at least we knew what to expect. Bring back Bruce who usually had the team playing on the front foot.
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Scatman Caruthers
Some worrisome patterns so far, certainly, but JK gets every chance to qualify, imo. His German side didn't look good in qualifying either.
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TomG
We get 3 points, but it's not going to be pretty.
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Dan
We will win, but it won't be pretty. Klinsmann's job isn't in any trouble until after WC2014 - unless it all goes to hell and we don't qualify.
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Rob
N/A
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Chris Jones
I'm pretty neutral here. I think the US will win, but nothing can be too sure with this back line. I'm fairly certain JK's job is not on the line, but it could be with fewer than three points in the next two. Let's not forget, Mexico lost three of their first four in 2009, all on the road, still finished 2nd. The US is in a similar boat.
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Taylor
Goodson now the senior defender on the roster. Hope the new guys are ready.
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PC
Im worried. The USMNT has not been playing well. Even when they win it seems shaky.
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GSwan
I don't even know what to think
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Charlie
JK's job not on the line, but the back line is worrying...
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SRS
Mr. Pres, that would require Congress to pass a budget first...
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Eric Holder
Can I fire Sunil Gulati if we lose?
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Obama
I have some questions about the choices but I still think we will win easily.
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Travis
US will win, but I'm worried still
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four4rsl
Hey Casey, i'm here too! Soccer can be interesting and the players are true athletes, but who cares when they are also the biggest pansies in sports, can be bought off, and when the sport causes deadly riots in third world countries. Be fans, be very faithful fans, but don't be soccer snobs.
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B
On the plus side, we keep Hamid, and don't have to face Arrieta this weekend...
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DCUnitedWillRiseAgain
US will win, but it will be scary
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Charlie
Very Dicey
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Tig
We will see.
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Kyle
I would hope that the governing authorities would have the foresight to not put ultimatum on JK with a possible leadership-change *before* 2014 WC.... but that said, I am concerned about his development of the team. The stale development and recent complains are eerily reminiscent of France in the 2010 WC... if things don't turn around, I could forsee a similar US meltdown in Brazil...
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Jonny Utah
We should win this. We should have come back from Honduras with a point. We should be able to beat Mexico at home. We shouldn't have to claw our way through qualifying. We should have a deeper reserve of fullbacks. We should support MLS so USMNT gets the pipeline it needs. We should win this.
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ryansholin
he will be ok just needs time to get the young guns together. btw people need to be in power a very long time before they can get things done. watch me fall off stage on youtube.
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Sepp Blatter
I'm confident going in....The US certainly needs to find an identity but the talent is there.
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Chris D
I think Klinsmann has a bit of job security, only situation I can see that he would be sacked would be if the USMNT fails to qualify for the World Cup. The game is not going to be easy but it's a game the US should win.
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Bradley
JK's job is not, and should not, be on the line here. We should beat Costa Rica easily at home, and hope for a point in Mexico. JK's job should be fine. We've lost 1 game and everyone panics, chill out.
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Eric
This might be more hopeful than logical, but, I think they win.
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@jpatmiller
This game is important but JK's job is not on the line. US soccer is trying to change the way the US plays across the board and the way they ID talent. Should be expected to have rough patches, especially now since we (harsh truth) aren't that talented. Plus he's Gulati's guy. Everyone take a shot and a cold shower; we'll be fine.
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Chris
So its Klinsmann's fault that the so called "Mr. Soccer" Landon Donovan has been a total bust during his 2 years? Also, add the many injuries to Onyewu, Dempsey, Holden, and Davies loss.
He's doing what he can with subpar skill level on the wings and lack of technical ability from others that as of right now are his best players (Edu, Beckerman, Jermaine Jones). Reality is this team would be good to get to WC and get out of first round. This team doesn't have "IT". Its just the truth.
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Adrian
