COUVA (Spain) – The US men’s national soccer team has failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia after going down 2-1 away to bottom of the table Trinidad and Tobago.
“We have no excuses. We failed today. We should have walked off this field with at least a point,” said US coach Bruce Arena following the match at Ato Boldon Stadium in the small town of Couva, Trinidad and Tobago.
The score was 2-0 by the 36th minute, and even with Christian Pulisic’s goal after the break, the Americans failed to find an equalizer.
https://twitter.com/ussoccer/status/917933170808340481
Before the final qualification round, the US was sitting 3rd in the standings among the six remaining CONCACAF nations competing for 3 spots. However, due to Panama beating Costa Rica and Honduras upsetting log leaders Mexico, the US slipped to 5th place.
“It’s a blemish for us,” Arena added, as cited by ESPN FC. “We should not be staying at home for this World Cup. And I take responsibility.”
https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/917934029114105856
Tuesday’s defeat marks a new chapter in American soccer history, making it the first time the US has failed to qualify for the tournament since the 1986 World Cup held in Mexico.
Every four years, 32 teams from around the globe play in the FIFA World Cup to determine the best team on the planet. Russia will host the next year’s football showpiece from June 14 to July 15.
