U.S. Ends Panama’s World Cup Run and Saves Mexico

nytimes.com ^ | October 15, 2013 | SAM BORDEN

[Berlin_Freeper]

It was the perfect end to a bizarre day of World Cup qualifying: the United States saved Mexico.

The longtime rivals rarely do anything to help the other out, but on Tuesday there was no mistaking what took place. Mexico, which has struggled throughout the Concacaf qualifying tournament, was just minutes away from losing to Costa Rica, 2-1, and failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1982. El Tri’s only hope was that the United States, which was losing to Panama at the time, would somehow rally for at least a tie.

The United States did even better, scoring two late goals to beat Panama, 3-2. The result knocked the Panamanians out and gave Mexico an unexpected — and some might say undeserved — reprieve. Mexico, which has won just 2 of its 10 qualifiers and is on its third coach of the cycle, will now face New Zealand in a two-game playoff for a place at the World Cup next summer in Brazil. The United States clinched its place last month after beating Mexico in Columbus, Ohio.

[kevkrom]

The formulas are designed to ensure that Europe, and South America to a lesser degree, doesn’t take all of the qualifying spots. And the qualifying process is determined by region — EUFA chooses the the model they use, which is very different from CONCACAF, who uses a three-round system.

Also, England did not “literally [have] to win every single game in qualifying”, they won 6 and drew 4. Still, no losses is impressive, and that’s what got them the spot in Brazil rather than being relegated to a playoff.

[Berlin_Freeper]

There is a thirdly - the US players want to pass the cut and be on the team in Brazil.

[kevkrom]

Right. And even those already on the team are trying to make sure they’re going to be in the lineups and see playing time.

[Berlin_Freeper]

“The All Whites” lmao!
(Redskins)