Author: Gerry Maravilla
With the next World Cup still two years away, it may be a surprise to learn that qualifications have already begun. While the South African government prepares to host the 2010 World Cup, completing the construction of all-necessary stadiums and finalizing other preparations, the battle between the teams from FIFA’s Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) is well underway.
According to FIFA’s official Web site, three teams from the region are expected to play in the 2010 World Cup, with a fourth wild card spot open between the CONCACF’s fourth place finisher and the fifth place finisher of the CONMEBOL’s (Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol, South American Football Confederation) qualification tournament. Two North American teams traditionally dominate CONCACAF: the United States and Mexico.
Stunning displays from U.S. talent like Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey, Rangers winger DeMarcus Beasley, and Villarreal striker and youth prodigy Jozy Altidore in games against Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba and Guatemala ensured the team’s progression into the next round. While the U.S. is scheduled to face Guatemala again on Nov. 19 for the last game of the third qualification round, team U.S.A. does not need to gain a victory to advance. The U.S. can direct its focus at strengthening its youth squad and preparing to face the remaining five teams.
The U.S.’s number one rivals and southern neighbors are doing fairly well for themselves as well. Under the leadership of former England national team coach Sven-Göran Eriksson, Mexico achieved victory in every one of their home games. However, their ventures on the road without such star players as Pavel Pardo and Nery Castillo resulted in a loss to Jamaica and a tie with Canada. A win over Honduras on Nov. 19 will ensure that the team dubbed “El Tri Color” will advance to the next round. If they lose to Honduras, Mexico need only hope that Jamaica does not defeat Canada, or, that in the end, the combined winning margins of Jamaica and Honduras are fewer than seven goals.
Most North American soccer fans eagerly await the next face-off between these heated rivals. Will we see another deliberate head-butt from Mexico Captain Rafael Marquez or more gloating and taunting from U.S. Captain Landon Donovan? With the U.S. holding a victory in the final round of the 2007 Gold Cup over the heads of the Mexican National Team and a string of ties since that meeting, a match with the goal of World Cup glory promises to engage fans and bring the animosity between these two teams, no matter the outcome, to new heights.
While some soccer fans may not find the competition in the CONCACAF as exciting as the escapades in Europe, it is interesting to note the improving talent and performance of both the United States and Mexico teams. More than ever before, players from both countries are finding their way into the world’s top club teams. It is merely a matter of time before the rest of the world must confront the emerging skill and power from the region.
It will be in South Africa 2010 that the CONCACF can prove itself to the rest of world and steal some of Europe’s and South America’s World Cup glory.
This article has been archived, for more requests please contact us via the support system.
