The Hex is officially underway and we have seen the first two games all but wrapped up. It will be four months until we see the next set of games for the CONCACAF teams fighting for a spot in the 2018 World Cup, so there will be a lot of time to digest what happened in November.
Here is a look at how everything went down…
Current Standings
- Costa Rica: 2 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses
- Mexico: 1 win, 1 draw, 0 losses
- Panama: 1 win, 1 draw, 0 loses
- Honduras: 1 win, 0 draws, 1 loss
- Trinidad & Tobago: 0 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses
- USA: 0 wins, 0 draw, 2 losses
A giant recieves a KO punch
The first two things that stand out are that Costa Rica’s on fire, and that the USA is in serious trouble. Both teams are generally strong in qualification, but it is the United States with the absolute worst start possible. Not only did they lose at home for the first time ever in Columbus to Mexico, but they were beat down, 0-4, by Costa Rica, putting them at -5 in the goal differential. Similarly, Trinidad & Tobago are looking like a weak-link after the first two games. There was very little promise from the 180 minutes played by them.
Honduras had a disappointing home loss to Panama, yet, was able to recover with a win against Trinidad & Tobago. The win boosted them into the playoff spot if the Hex were to end as is.
Mexico changes its Hex tune
In 2013, Mexico could not find a way to win. After two matches, they sat with two points and a lot of questions to answer. In November, they got the “Dos a cero” monkey off their back, and collected a point in a very sloppy match against Panama. Keeping in mind, the first two matches for them were on the road.
Upcoming fixtures
March 24:
USA vs Honduras
Trinidad & Tobago vs Panama
Mexico vs Costs Rica
March 28:
Panama vs USA
Honduras vs Costa Rica
Trindad & Tobago vs Mexico
There is a lot that can happen before the next games take place. Will Klinsmann still be running the USMNT? Can Costa Rica keep up its momentum after a long break? Many of these looming questions will be over the minds of the players and staff, but one thing is for sure, the Hex is never truly predictable.
Keep it right here on The Stoppage Time, powered by Azteca Soccer, for more world football news and updates on all of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page.
