Arena hopes to start U.S. rebound vs. Honduras
SAN JOSE (AP) – A new coach is making the decisions after a pair of historically bad games. Nearly half the projected starters are sidelined.
Fans are freaking out that the United States’ streak of consecutive World Cup appearances might end at seven.
On the eve of his first competitive international match in nearly 11 years, Bruce Arena was calm and confident.
“The last thing we’re going to do is concern ourselves a whole lot if players go down, and I haven’t done that. I’m actually eager to see how some of these other players are going to perform,” the old-turned-new U.S. coach said Thursday at the last training session before the qualifier against Honduras. “My guess is we’re going to be OK.”
Another misstep and the Americans would be winless in the final round of World Cup qualifying with seven games left. Only one team has qualified from a similar start in the North and Central American and Caribbean region, Trinidad and Tobago in 2006.
Arena, 65 years old and a member of the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame, coached the U.S. from 19982006. He was brought back in November to replace Jurgen Klinsmann following a 2-1 home loss to Mexico and a 4-0 debacle at Costa Rica.
“We felt like we let some different things slip,” U.S. captain Michael Bradley said. “He’s come in and found the right way to work and talk and show some things and make sure that we understand who we are and what we’re about and ultimately we’re stepping on the field giving ourselves the best chance to win.”
The math looks bad for now but not terrible. Costa Rica leads with six points, followed by Mexico and Panama with four, Honduras with three and Trinidad and Tobago, and the U.S. with none.
Because the top three teams qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia, and the fourth-place nation advances to a playoff against Asia’s No. 5 finisher, a loss today would not be fatal.
“Seven games remaining, you’re still there,” Arena said, pointing out that Mexico reached the playoffs four years ago with just 11 points. “The general rule of thumb is 15 points, but it always changes.”
The U.S., 30th in the FIFA rankings, plays again Tuesday at Panama. Honduras is 65th after opening the final round with a loss to Panama and victory over Trinidad and Tobago, both at home.
Avaya Stadium is among MLS’ 16 soccer specific stadiums, with a capacity of about 18,200.