11/05/24
September 06, 2009
U.S. Defeats El Salvador 2-1 in World Cup Qualifier: In a match that was kinda sorta nearly a must-win, given the tough road games ahead, the U.S. soccer team defeated El Salvador 2-1 Saturday night in World Cup qualifying. Christian Castillo gave El Salvador the lead in the 32nd minute, but Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore responded with first-half goals. The team that falls to fourth place in this region might have to beat Argentina to reach South Africa.
Well they are actually ranked 11th. But rankings really don't matter. We beat Spain who is ranked 2nd. So what does that tell you?
posted by STUNNER at 11:44 AM on September 06, 2009
At the last world cup the US were ranked 5th. That didn't go so well.
I'm not sure there's a good way to produce rankings for a sport where teams might face each other in competitive games no more often than every four years, and usually much less than that, but I am sure that if there is a way FIFA haven't found it yet.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 12:52 PM on September 06, 2009
Not to mention that most games (the competitive ones that count) are against the other countries in the same region. So other than Mexico and with less consistency Costa Rica and Honduras the US do not play much quality opposition outside of the World Cup, racking up points towards FIFA's scoring system. Not sure the Confederations Cup changed the US ranking too much since we lost three matches and won only two.
As for last night, my reaction was that both coaches should have rung CONCACAF from the locker room because the refereeing was terrible both ways. US came out on top, barely, but T&T Wednesday should be easier if only because Onyewu can play, allowing Bocanegra to line up on the left. Bornstein was our worst player and should go back to Chivas USA soonest.
posted by billsaysthis at 01:35 PM on September 06, 2009
For those who enjoy my bloviating on the topic: US Soccer, FIFA Rankings and the new US Invitational
posted by billsaysthis at 02:11 PM on September 06, 2009
Still find it rather staggering the US are ranked something like 6th in the world right now. I know the US team is improving but 6th?