Quick thoughts on Semifinal Round Day Two

We're a third of the way through the semifinal round, and the path to the Hexagonal is already becoming clear.

Group A

• USA are just about through and have an excellent chance of completing the round with a perfect record.  It will almost be enough to cover up their lack of scoring punch.  Almost.
• Despite Trinidad & Tobago having four points to Guatemala's one, I would have to put Guatemala in as the favorites for second place.  The Guatemala-Trinidad & Tobago match on October 11 will decide the second Hexagonal spot.
• As I said before the semifinal round, the Cuba-USA match would matter only to those looking for a political angle.  It didn't even matter all that much to the local population.
• Any inevitable defections after the USA-Cuba match won't change the outcome of the group, because Guatemala and Trinidad & Tobago are likely to take maximum points from the Cubans anyway.

Group B

• In a group like this, the order of matches is perhaps more important than the opponents to be played.  Mexico was very fortunate that Jamaica was unable to host its home qualifier at this time.
• At any rate, what once looked like a difficult group has become very navigable for Mexico.  They finish the round with three consecutive away games, but it's very likely they'll need a point or two to advance.
• Once again, Honduras raised their play on the road, but can they hold their focus at home? 
• Canada need a road win in the worst way, and they're not playing Mexico in Azteca, so their chances aren't nonexistent this time.
• Jamaica got swept aside a little too easily in Mexico.  Perhaps they could show up a little more than 24 hours before a match in Azteca next time, but at the rate they're going "next time" could be four years from now.

Group C

• Who would have known that Suriname make such a great practice squad to play against?
• Costa Rica should enjoy the easy results while they last.  They will end sometime in February or March of next year.
• El Salvador might end up with second place by default.
• Haiti are too lacking in attacking ability, discipline, and nerves to make an impact at this stage of World Cup qualifying.  (Recall that it took a goal scored by the other team to permit the Haitians to advance.)
• So, will Suriname rethink their player eligibility policy now?

Comments

[Brian]

Group A thought: As for the battle for advancement to the hex, don't be so quick to count out Trinidad. They get the US at home after the US will advance on matchday 4, Guatemala will get a much younger US side on Matchday 6, but in Colorado. Trinidad may have an advantage IF Trinidad can take a point in Guatemala City. We will see, but I do favor Guatemala because they can likely secure three at home against Trinidad.