USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago: World Cup 2018 Qualifying Live Stream, Preview
USA need to start producing a few more wins in the CONCACAF Hexagonal phase of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. They'll be hoping that starts against Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday.
The U.S. will likely be favourites for the match at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. After all, manager Bruce Arena's squad should have enough quality to put three vital points on the board before Sunday's crunch qualifier in Mexico.
Before a preview, here are the schedule and live-streaming details:
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Date: Thursday, June 8
Time: 8 p.m. ET. 1 a.m. BST (Friday, June 9)
Live Stream: Fox Soccer 2Go.
Preview
Guile in midfield is something Arena has struggled to conjure too often during his stint in charge. Not for the first time, the 65-year-old will rely on FC Toronto's Michael Bradley to pull the strings in the middle.
However, the true magic is more likely to come from Borussia Dortmund winger Christian Pulisic. The 18-year-old boasts the pace, trickery and natural flair the U.S. need in order to become more of a force going forward.
ESPN FC's Jeff Carlisle rightly pointed out how Pulisic faces the "responsibility of becoming the creative linchpin of the U.S. national team." Bossing games against sides such as Trinidad and Tobago is a must if Pulisic is ever going to meet his potential for greater things.
It would help Pulisic if veteran Clint Dempsey can turn the clock back to find his best form. The 34-year-old is a good link player in between the midfield and forward lines. His combination play with Pulisic will be vital for Arena's men during the remainder of their qualifying campaign.
On the other side, Trinidad's main threat is likely to come from well-travelled target man Kenwyne Jones. Now 32, Jones plays his club football for Atlanta United, and still has the size and strength to trouble any defence in the air.
Charles Boehm of Mlssoccer.com noted how Trinidad still rely on Jones' ability to hold the ball up and bring others into the game in the final third. It will be up to U.S. defenders to play tight against Jones and deny him the time to control long balls and lay them off.
Overall, the U.S. should have enough talent in attack to earn a much-needed win. This is also an ideal game for fledgling talisman Pulisic to build his confidence.
