Honduras likely to be trouble for the U.S.
Count me among the frustrated fans looking for a way to watch the U.S. men's national team's match at Honduras, which is only available on pay-per-view closed-circuit television, on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET, .
It is especially maddening considering how high the stakes are for Bob Bradley's side. A win would punch America's ticket to South Africa in 2010. A draw or a loss -- coupled with a Costa Rica win -- would ratchet up the pressure for the U.S. team's WCQ finale against Costa Rica at RFK Stadium on Oct. 14 (ESPN2, 8 p.m. ET).
No one likes the idea of missing out on such an important match. But the truth is this game might be hard to stomach for many U.S. fans. Enough so, dare I say, that one might feel a little thankful for a blackout. Consider the circumstances stacked against the U.S. side -- and fans -- heading into Saturday's match:
1. Honduras' 12th man: There are no guarantees in this game. But we can assume with reasonable certainty the U.S. team will never play on its home soil with the country torn apart by a coup, as is the case with Honduras.
This match offers a striking example of the profoundly different significance of these games in countries other than our own. Not better, not worse, but definitely different.
The political unrest in Honduras almost saw the match moved outside the country. With the game in Honduras, the U.S. can expect to face an emotional mix of passion, politics and soccer. Eleven Hondurans will be tough enough -- adding a 12th man to the mix, in the shape of the crowd, will make it all the more difficult.
2. Bradley Ball: This is less a criticism than a statement of the obvious: This match doesn't figure to be easy on the eyes. If you're looking for a free-flowing, attacking game you might be tempted to cover your eyes during this one -- though in this case you won't have to.
Bob Bradley's never been accused of being overly ambitious with his offensive tactics. Add the loss of Clint Dempsey to a shoulder injury to Honduras' perfect home record (8-0-0) in WCQ and you've got the blueprint for a Bradley game plan that's going to demand plenty of numbers behind the ball at all times.
The Hondurans, needing the three points more and powered by their home supporters, will have the impetus to bring the attack to the U.S. They'll want to draw the Americans out of their defensive shape, opening up space for their playmakers to have time on the ball.
Bradley won't take the bait. The U.S. will be organized and won't commit too many numbers forward. It's a solid recipe for success on the road in a hostile environment, but not necessarily one for attractive soccer.
3. Club vs. country: Stop me if you've heard this before: The lack of playing time for regular national team players at their European clubs is a cause for concern ahead of pivotal qualifying games.
It's an exasperating and persistent dilemma that is all too familiar to American fans. We rightly applaud players who seek tougher challenges (and better paychecks) overseas, understanding that the more competitive environment will better prepare them for international competition. Everybody wins, right?
But too many national team regulars are struggling to get a consistent run with their professional clubs. Can we expect to see them at full match fitness for such important qualifiers? In this case, we won't have to.
4. Dempsey debate: Dempsey's absence got me thinking about criticism that's often leveled against the Fulham midfielder concerning his play for the national team.
I can understand Dempsey's lackadaisical style can rub fans the wrong way. He's not always the first to throw himself in a 50-50 challenge or track back defensively. Sometimes he has a maddening tendency to drift in and out of games.
Points all taken.
But there are players in the U.S. side who do those things and do them well. There aren't, however, players who do what Dempsey does. No player outside of Landon Donovan has the combination of patience, guile, creativity and skill that Dempsey has to unlock a pass or create space for others.
Despite the obvious talents of whoever his replacement is -- whether it be Benny Feilhaber, Stuart Holden or Jose Torres -- there will be an absence of quality that will be clear. Thankfully for those calling for Dempsey to be punished for his perceived lapses in concentration with a seat on the bench, they won't be able to witness it for themselves. And the debate can rage on.
5. Wilson Palacios: If you haven't had the opportunity to see Palacios patrol the midfield for either Honduras or Tottenham in the English Premier League, be thankful you won't witness him for the first time against the U.S.
If any one player can cause the U.S. team fits Saturday night, Honduras' bruising midfielder will be the man to do it. He possesses that rare combination of physical power and technical quality that can make him seem unplayable at times. Think Michael Essien of Chelsea and Ghana.
The challenge facing the U.S. -- especially Michael Bradley and Ricardo Clark -- is to limit Palacios to a role as a bruising midfield enforcer. He's going to win challenges and deliver the kind of crunching tackles that can leave an opposing player in pieces; there's no question about that.
But he has the skill to be dangerous offensively. He's not afraid to make a dashing run into the box. And if he's allowed to dominate the midfield offensively and defensively, opening up space for Honduras' other attacking players, Americans may be in for a long, forgettable night.
None of this should make you feel better about missing Saturday night's game. Nor is it an indictment of the U.S. team's chances. But luck and circumstance are not on its side heading into Honduras, which could make for unhappy viewing. So if you're lucky enough to be able to watch the game, enjoy. But consider yourself warned. If you're like the rest of us, well, there's always Wednesday.
Conor Nevins
