The United States qualifies for the world cup while Costa Rica manages to keep itself alive.
Yesterday was a day of World Cup qualifying matches. Some of the most closely fought spots are in the CONCACAF. Yesterday the United States managed a win against Honduras giving them a guaranteed spot in the 2010 World Cup. Meanwhile, Costa Rica was up againist Trinidad and Tobago on a rain soaked pitch in San José. The Ticos were in a must win situation and did it in a 4-0 fashion. This moves them into third place; a spot that will guarantee them tickets to South Africa if they can manage to stay there. If Honduras losses to El Salvador next Wednesday (unlikely) then it does not matter what the Ticos do. However, to guarantee a spot regardless of Honduras’ performance the Costa Ricans have to beat the United States next Wednesday.
Needless to say my loyalties are a little divided. On the one hand, the United States has already qualified so it does not matter what they do and I should root for the home team hear in Ticolandia. At the same time, Costa Rica really embarrassed the United States earlier in the tournament and if they win again no one will let me forget. Decisions, decisions….