World Cup Qualifying: USMNT vs. Jamaica
By Ty Duffy
The U.S. squares off against Jamaica tonight in World Cup qualification at 8:00pm. Here is some relevant info.
Where Can You Watch This? This match will be televised on beIN Sport USA. What the hell is that? Well, it’s Al Jazeera’s new American sports network. It is America’s new home for La Liga and Serie A. They have hired some eye-catching talent. It is available on DirecTV, Comcast and DISH. If your television services are provided by someone else, you are SOL.
The Situation: The USMNT is in the third round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. The U.S. and Jamaica are tied with four points at the top of Group A following the first two matches. The U.S. is ahead on goal difference. The top two teams advance to the next qualifying round. On paper, The U.S. should aim to beat the SPI 56th ranked team in the world. Realistically, a draw in the toughest match of the round would be a favorable result. They will meet again Tuesday in Columbus.
Squad State: This will be far closer to a full strength U.S. team than the one that beat Mexico in Azteca. Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley are out with injuries. Jozy Altidore, off to a hot start in the Eredivisie, is back in the squad. Clint Dempsey has been called up, though has not played in months while his transfer was being sorted out. He can now focus on what is really important, depositing much larger checks. His fitness level may limit how long he can play, though he is set to start.
Recent History: The U.S. beat the Reggae Boyz 2-0 in the 2011 Gold Cup. The last U.S. trip to Jamaica was in 2004. The teams drew 1-1.
Domestic League: Jamaica has an 8-5 advantage in MLS-based players.
[Photo via Presswire]