Quick takes on the Hexagonal schedule

I'll have more to say later, but here are my initial thoughts:

• Three words.  Cold.  War.  II.
• Mexico's worst fears came true today.  They have to face their archrival away without three of their first-string players.  
• As a matter of fact, the opening three matches could be hellish for Mexico (home to Costa Rica might offer a brief respite).
• Carlos de los Cobos got what he wanted -- an opening match at home to T&T, the only match of the Hexagonal where they won't be a clear underdog.  Funny how that worked out.  (Not that I'm insinuating (cough cough) a fix or anything.)
• This might be the USA's best chance to score an away win in Costa Rica.  If they can't do it this year it'll never happen.
• Honduras' chances will come down to three consecutive home qualifiers, and those matches don't involve USA or Mexico.  If they collect full points from all three, they have a very good chance to go to South Africa.
• If T&T end up competing for a fourth playoff spot, they will have to face the USA and Mexico in two of the final three rounds.  Fortunately they will play them at home.
• In all, I don't see anyone offering gifts to anyone else in this Hexagonal.  This final six has a combination of evenly-matched teams and old rivals.
• Case in point: Honduras had better wish that they're already qualified for South Africa by the time they play away to El Salvador in the final matchday.

Comments

[Kab]

Really? I tend to think that El Salvador is gonna be giving away the points to practically everyone.

Either that or they become the team that everyone draws against.

[Howard Hamilton]

Well, El Salvador are not going to be obliging toward Honduras if the catrachos are looking for points, given the history between the two countries.

The final result might not change, but not for lack of trying on the part of the Salvadorans.

[Scott]

I don't think the draw could have broke much better for the US. Mexico at home in February (and thus a mid-week return tilt), closing at home, and the home date with Honduras in the early June window. Could be on 15 by the time they go to Azteca with qualification right there for the asking.

95% sure that first match will be in Columbus, unless there is some feeling that a "big" stadium is needed, which would probably open up Hartford and Foxboro as options (though I would not want to put a meaningful match at Gillette with the staff's propensity to market and sell to the opposition).