I know it isn't as high profile as WCQs, but has anyone else been keeping track? I think we've looked pretty good so far, albeit against sub-par competition. Wondo has looked phenomenal and if he can keep it up against the better CONCACAF squads in Honduras and Mexico (probably), I think he should get a spot on the WCQ squad when they resume. I think Donovan has removed any doubt in my mind that he still has a desire to play the game and it's been nice having Beasley back. I really like how Klinsmann is going full throttle for this tournament, hopefully that will pay off in qualification and in the actual cup next year.

Wondo still has a long way to go to crack the starting XI for the World Cup. Lets keep in mind that these Costan Rican and Honduras squads are not exactly their A teams either.

The importance here is showing that American soccer is strong enough that we have several players capable of playing in the World Cup...not that we can beat up on El Salvador with our B squad players.

I wouldn't start Wondo yet either, but I think he's earned a spot on the squad. I'd have him ready to go in at a moment's notice if Jozy reverts to his lazy ways or if we need a spark in the last 15 minutes.

(07-24-2013 02:04 PM)GSUhooligan Wrote:  I wouldn't start Wondo yet either, but I think he's earned a spot on the squad. I'd have him ready to go in at a moment's notice if Jozy reverts to his lazy ways or if we need a spark in the last 15 minutes.

I could see that. My concern is really just over the talent gap between MLS and European squads. I know he was the top scorer in MLS last year, but that doesn't really mean a whole lot. Can he compete and win against teams stacked with the best players from La Liga, Serie A, and the Premier League?

I've been following it as best I can. I am really impressed with this squad. The competetion isn't Germany, Brazil, or Spain but they ARE beating the teams they are supposed to beat. Not only that, but they are mostly crushing opponents. The games are entertaining and show a lot of energy. The quarterfinal against El Salvador was a good one, but showed just how poor the USA still is at finishing. We should've won by 8-10 goals. I'm ready to watch the semis. Hope there is a good crowd for the remaining games. An empty stadium can just suck the life out of any game (this goes for all sports).

I just hope if it's a USA vs Mexico final that we at least have a 50/50 split in fans, but it'll probably be 80/20 for Mexico.

I think that Wondo will end up on the squad next summer and likely play a super sub role. I'm glad to see Landon looking as good as he has, he's had some fantastic assists so far.

I'm not surprised at all that Panama beat Mexico. After it took an 84th minute goal for Mexico to squeak by T&T, I said Panama would beat El Tri if they didn't start finishing which has been their problem the entire tournament.

Looking forward to the final on Sunday, but if we continue playing at the level we have been, we shouldn't have a problem winning comfortably.

Yeah, the Panama game might end up costing Mexico's coach his job. El Tri have to be careful...they are far from locks for Brazil right now...and still have games left at the US and Costa Rica.

Apart from when they were banned in 1990, the last time Mexico failed to qualify was 1982. Ultimately I think they make the field for next summer, but as you said they are far from a lock and if they fail to do so, Chepo may have to take up residence in another country.