| The CONCACAF World Cup qualification is gradually entering in it's hot phase and the favorites can no longer afford to slip up if they want to go straight to Qatar. Four teams, separated by only two points, are currently fighting for direct tickets. Fourth will have to go to the play-offs. After the USA team almost sensationally missed the 2018 World Cup, this time in theory there must be no way around except a successful participation in the largest football tournament. In practice, things don't look bad either. After eight matchdays, the Yanks have four wins, three draws and only one defeat. Currently, that's enough for second place. The gap to the leading Canadians is only one point but the lead over Mexico and Panama is just as large. In mid-November, the Aztecs, who are believed to be the first contenders to top the group, were beaten 2-0 on home soil. When you consider that the US boys still have to play away to Mexico and Canada in the remaining six rounds, it looks there is no room for mistakes. In fact, El Salvador have lost all three previous away games in this phase of the qualification. |
