I can't imagine they wouldn't let all three in automatically. They are expanding the tournament to 48 teams with 16 3 team groups, only 2 "group stage" games, two qualifiers to the final 32, and an extra knockout round. I don't think it has been confirmed, but no reason to leave one team out with the expanded format. I would assume the Concacaf will still probably get 2-3 teams in even with the 3 auto births.
US definitely looked like it belonged on the field. I remember previous times where they were playing defense mostly and Howard making great saves.
6 points in this group with a threat in front of goal. We are not better than England but we played better today.
For what? Embarrass Iran, and the “righties” will tolerate all kinds of other BS.* * refers only to those “righties” who think soccer is a sport
This is what I was worried about but after we got our footing, we attacked. It was refreshing and gives me hope for the next 4-8 years. These boys will be playing together for a long time.
I don’t believe they’ve announced the rules yet but yes, all three hosts are expecting a bid. Both Japan and Korea got host bids in 2002. This could become a problem at some point though as multiple country bids become the norm. I’ve seen potential bids involving 4 or 5 countries.
The last Iran game had Pro-Iran govt protestors going against Iranian anti-gov protestors in the stands. They may be too preoccupied to worry about us
The Iranian national team basically protested its government in earlier game. The Iranian fans were joking with an Israeli reporter. Remember, most people in Iran are not any different than your average western nation’s citizen. The government is a separate issue.
Most people in Iran are not any different than your average western nations citizens? Do you have a reference for that statement?
Most is a stretch. But in the big urban centers, your average Iranian is highly educated and probably much more progressive than Americans would believe. Iran is certainly very different than most of their neighbors.