OT: FIFA looking into Costa Rican protest of WC qualifier against U.S.
Just saw this on ESPN, and honestly, I think there's merit to Costa Rica's protest. I can't believe they finished that game. Conditions were terrible, and I'm pretty sure everyone in America would be crying for a replay if we had ended up on the wrong side of the score. That said, the decision is up to FIFA. Do you think they'll force a replay? And if so, what are the implications of that? Would the U.S. still retain any points for the win, or would the first game be erased from the history books?
March 25th, 2013 at 12:11 PM ^
Tomorrow night will be interesting. The Mexican team, though incredibly talented, hasn't played well in qualifying. Both teams will have injuries to deal with but mostly bring their A teams.
It's going to be hard to stop Aquino/Hernandez at Azteca, but we just need a draw and we're in good shape on the table. Hopefully it snows. ;)
I hate Chicharito, it always seems like he just gets the cheapest goals.
March 25th, 2013 at 12:14 PM ^
Thanks for posting this, Moleskyn. Since I'm usually only a fan when World Cup rolls around, I probably wouldn't have seen it.
I've also learned quite a bit from reading all of the posts about, what seems to be, standard operating procedure in CONCACAF.
didn't slovakia and slovenia play in a snow covered game in 2010 world cup qualifying
nobody complained about that
those costa ricans need to just deal with it
I've seen video highlights of the game in Slovenia and pictures of the game in Slovakia--there was no snow either time.
There was snow for the Northern Ireland/Russia qualifier last weekend, but when they couldn't get the field cleared the game was postponed. They pushed it back one day, but when they were again unable to clear the field they postponed it indefinitely.
That's standard procedure in Europe. CONCACAF has its own rules, I'm sure.
I have to disagree with the assertion that everyone in the US would be crying for a replay if the USMNT had lost. I think most people would be yelling for JK's head and complaining about the team's lack of grit, the fractured locker room, and that the team couldn't beat a warm weather country in the snow. The USSF would get plenty of criticism for scheduling a game during a snowstorm too.
As a whole no one would be clamoring for a replay.
i would start www.firesunilgulati.com
Between extreme heat, humidity, heavy rain and snow? I've seen soccer matches played in the other three weather conditions, so why not snow. As someone pointed out before, it's not like the US was playing in different playing conditions.
Notwithstanding anti-US feeling around the world, FIFA wants the US in the World Cup. They're trying to get Soccer to the world stage in the US. How much interest would be lost here if the US team wasn't participating.
March 31st, 2013 at 11:46 AM ^
As someone who played in a Michigan Soccer State Final in 6 inches of snow, I can tell you that whatever sport you think you are playing in the snow, it is most assuredly NOT soccer. Everytime you pass the ball, a nice snow donut would wrap around it. Just awful. As for Costa Rica complaining... Get over it, the field conditions were the same for both teams. Would you be complaining if you won? Prob not.
No takesy-backsies! Neener neener!
I wonder if Costa Rica would have wanted to end the game if they had not just had a free kick and a couple corners (i.e., they were getting pressure just before the pause).