U.S. versus CRC
I was able to attend the World Cup qualifying game this week between the U.S. and CRC (Costa 
Rica, not the Christian Reformed Church). In spite of the 40 degree temps and light rain, it was an incredible game to see. The U.S. dominated the game, but was down by 2 at half. They came from behind, and playing with only 10 men tied the game with 20 seconds to go in stoppage time. The tie clinched first place for the U.S. in the CONCACAF group, and prevented Costa Rica from qualifying.
For the record, Jozy Altidore, all of 19 years old, is an amazing player to watch in person. Almost always double and triple teamed, he rarely lost the ball and was fascinating to watch.
Anyone have a couple extra tickets to South Africa next summer? Just wondering …
For the record, it didn’t prevent Costa Rica from qualifying; it requires that they play the #5 team in South America (which turns out to be Uruguay) in a two-leg playoff for the remaining spot from the Americas.
And no, I don’t have tickets to South Africa. But I sure did do all of the research and decided I’d rather not go THAT far into debt.
BTW, did I tell you that I saw a Barclays Premier League game (Fulham v. Chelsea, no less) when we were in London? It was AWESOME; I think someone that enjoys good soccer, like you do, would really appreciate it.
Pcg,
You’re right, I should have been more precise. The tie prevented Costa Rica from qualifying that night; it didn’t knock them out completely. You could tell they were well aware after the game that they had been only 20 seconds away from sealing the deal.
No, I didn’t know you had seen Fulham v. Chelsea! That must have been quite the experience, especially seeing the game over there in that type of environment. Well done.
Very nice! I played Jr. High and High School Soccer when it was a game for nerds or guys who got cut from Football. I’m looking forward to the day that the World Cup resides in the States.