What to watch for as final window begins

The clichés are too true. Fans are on edge, as once again the United States Men’s National Team’s 2022 World Cup hopes come down to the final window of games.

The final round of CONCACAF 2022 World Cup qualifiers is here and the USMNT, currently in second place, needs five points out of a possible nine to qualify for Qatar. Up first is Mexico on Thursday at the always-imposing Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Then comes Panama at home in Orlando on Sunday followed by the finale next Wednesday in San Jose, Costa Rica, where the USMNT has never won before. The USMNT missed out on the 2018 World Cup on the final day, but the ghosts of ’18 are hopefully done and dusted.

Outside of the USMNT, here’s what’s also at stake: Canada’s first World Cup berth in more than three decades, Mexico’s precarious coaching situation and the upfor-grabs fourth spot where an inter-continental playoff awaits. Robin Fraser, the Colorado Rapids head coach and former USMNT’ER, weighed in on all of it.

USMNT attack will set tone at Azteca.

The USMNT beat Mexico three times in 2021. Once again, it will come down to its attack. Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath of Highlands Ranch could get the start and play a huge role in the team’s fate, as he did at Mile High last June.

Third-place Mexico has been inconsistent under Tata Martino and is vulnerable at home. Just ask Canada or Costa Rica. Fraser didn’t give a scoreline prediction, but he believes the U.S. is still in a good spot.

“It’ll be a tough one,” Fraser said. “It’ll be a very difficult environment, but (the Americans) are certainly capable, have done well and are in a really good position.”

Canada will clinch spot.

The best team in CONCACAF in the World Cup qualifiers has been Canada. Undefeated and undaunted through 11 games (25 points), the Canadians will look to secure their first berth at soccer’s big dance since 1986. Rapids central midfielder Mark-anthony Kaye will look to play a key part in the final window.

“This, I think, is the best Canada team ever,” Fraser said. “This is a really exciting moment for Canada. Having lived there for five years and knowing a lot of the players, I’m really excited for them.”

Fourth- place teams dangerous.

If the heavyweights start slow, Costa Rica or Panama are good enough to pounce. Fourth place has a playoff against the Oceania champion to decide the last spot. Nobody wants to finish fourth.

“I really think the three teams are all very good (Canada, U.S., and Mexico),” Fraser said. “The fourth team? We’ll see.”