Several scenarios possible for U.S. clincher on Day 7

[HEXAGONAL] The USA clinched a berth in the World Cup 2006 finals when its 2-0 win over Mexico in Columbus, Ohio, on Day 7 gave it a 5-1-1 record. A road win over Costa Rica in its next qualifier will give the USA the same record at the same stage as eight years ago -- 5-1-1 after Day 7 -- and it will clinch a berth in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with in several scenarios, based on the results of the other two Day 7 matches, Mexico-Honduras and Panama-Jamaica.

(A win over Costa Rica would clinch no worse than fourth place -- and a place in a playoff against New Zealand in November -- no matter what the results are in the other games.)

UPDATED. Even if the USA loses its final three games to Mexico, Jamaica and Panama and Costa Rica and Honduras beat the last-place Reggae Boyz, the schedule works in the USA's favor to clinch in these scenarios:

-- Mexico-Honduras tie AND Panama-Jamaica tie or Jamaica win.

(If the USA beats Costa Rica, Jamaica cannot overtake the USA even if it wins its last four places.)

Hexagonal Standings:
PTS TEAM W-T-L +/-
13 USA 4-1-1 7/3
11 Costa Rica 3-2-1 8/4
8 Mexico 1-5-0 3/2
7 Honduras 2-1-3 6/7
6 Panama 1-3-2 5/7
2 Jamaica 0-2-4 2/8

Sept. 6
Costa Rica-USA
Mexico-Honduras
Panama-Jamaica
Sept. 10
USA-Mexico
Jamaica-Costa Rica
Honduras-Panama
Oct. 11
USA-Jamaica
Mexico-Panama
Honduras-Costa Rica
Oct. 15
Panama-USA
Jamaica-Honduras
Costa Rica-Mexico
3 comments about "Several scenarios possible for U.S. clincher on Day 7".
  1. Eric Shinn, June 19, 2013 at 2:30 p.m.

    While it might not be sewn up just yet, I'd sure rather be in our position than el Tri's. They've got their hands full just getting out of the play-in spot at this point. Schadenfreude is a beautiful thing sometimes.

  2. Eric Shinn, June 19, 2013 at 2:31 p.m.

    "....STAYING out of the play-in....."

    Really need a way to edit comments on here :-)

  3. Chris Sapien , June 19, 2013 at 4:52 p.m.

    I knew what you were saying...... ;)

Next story loading loading..
More from Soccer America Daily

Discover Our Publications