You may be in the camp that sees a thin result in Antigua and Barbuda as “job done.” Or, you may be wincing at this wheezing result, biting nails nervously over another underwhelming evening for the United States.
Either way, the bottom line on a frightful Friday in Antigua is the same in terms of semifinal round positioning.
The win, combined with a very helpful Guatemalan victory over Jamaica, which finished about an hour after the U.S. match Friday, arranged the stage favorably for Jurgen Klinsmann’s men.
All they need is a tie Tuesday against Guatemala at Livestrong Sporting Park outside Kansas City. Any point (a win or draw) will secure the U.S. place among the last six in CONCACAF’s final round of World Cup qualifying.
And since all Guatemala needs is a draw to advance, the situation sets up very well.
Jamaica hosts Antigua and Barbuda, a team that probably left everything on the field Friday. Taking down the United States was the one way Antigua could still make some noise and get the region to take notice.
So, Jamaica has reason to like its chances Friday. And they will attempt to pour it on, hoping to win by at least three goals – and then pinning all hope on either the United States or Guatemala achieving a win.
Here are the group standings:
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