USMNT Seeks to Gain Traction Against Australia as FIFA World Cup Qualifying Approaches a Critical Phase with Nigeria's Future Uncertain
As the FIFA World Cup qualifiers draw near, the USMNT is looking to solidify its strategy against formidable opponents while Nigeria faces a daunting risk.
It’s Monday! If the start of another work week isn’t thrilling enough, you’ve got reason to be excited. Major World Cup qualifiers are on the horizon as the men’s international break finally arrives. On Wednesday, the second round of fixtures in the Women’s Champions League will also take place.
📺 Footy Fix
All times U.S./Eastern
Monday, Oct. 6
🏆 World Cup Qualifier: Cameroon vs. Angola, 12 p.m. ➡️ ESPN App
🏆 World Cup Qualifier: Northern Ireland vs. Germany, 2:45 p.m. ➡️ Fox Sports 2
🏆 World Cup Qualifier: Honduras vs. Haiti, 8 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Network
🏆 World Cup Qualifier: Costa Rica vs. Nicaragua, 10 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Network
⚽ The Forward Line
🇺🇸 Is the System Clicking for the USMNT?
Every coach in international football emphasizes performances over results. By that measure, it seems the USA is trending positively. A 1-1 draw against Ecuador might not seem like a victory on paper, but Ecuador finished second in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying with some of the best defenders worldwide. So when Enner Valencia gave the visitors a 24th-minute lead in Austin, they likely expected to hold on.
Instead, Mauricio Pochettino’s squad pressed their opponents, dominating possession and taking most shots, leading to Folarin Balogun’s equalizer following some exceptional attacking down the right flank. It was a well-earned draw for the USMNT, with many arguing it might have been their best performance under Pochettino.
This looks like a team beginning to coalesce around a back three that Pochettino introduced during a loss to South Korea last month. Chris Richards and Timothy Weah have shown particular promise. Picture the damage potential with Antonee Robinson advancing down the left and Sergino Dest balanced on the opposite flank.
Crucial to making a 3-4-2-1 setup work effectively is a versatile center-forward, such as Balogun, who can attack the number 10 position when wide players drift and stretch the defense with runs behind. After Friday’s match, there should be no further doubts about Balogun’s ability to fit seamlessly into this framework.
💰 The Back Line: Best Bets
UEFA World Cup qualifiers: Wales vs. Belgium, Monday, 2:45 p.m.
THE PICK: Over 2.5 goals (-133)
Both Wales and Belgium desperately need a win after a rocky start in Group J. Expect a high-scoring game as both teams aim for maximum points.
