Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago’s table standings
It may not be the big game of the day in the CONCACAF Group – that would have to be the intriguing clash between Honduras and the USA – but for Costa Rica this will be the defining moment of their qualifying campaign.
After leading the group in this final round of qualifying matches Los Ticos have hit the wall losing their last three matches with no goals scored and eight conceded resulting in coach Rodrigo Kenton sacked and replaced by Brazilian Renê Simões – former coach of Jamaica.
In fact Costa Rica’s last win in the qualifying campaign came back on June 6th when they shaded a five goal thriller against…Trinidad and Tobago.
As a result Los Ticos have slipped to fourth in the six-team table and have a goal difference of minus four. They have twelve points which still means they are only four behind group leaders USA with two games to go.
Trinidad and Tobago have nothing but pride to play for after a disappointing final round of qualifying that has seen them win only one of their matches. Currently they sit bottom of the group standings with only five points and cannot even make the play-off place.
The permutations for Costa Rica
Finishing in the top three of the group guarantees a place in South Africa next summer – finishing fourth means a play-off with the fifth placed team from the CONMEBOL group – quite likely to be Argentina.
Costa Rica will ensure at worst the CONCACAF/CONMEBOL play-off berth if: they defeat Trinidad and Tobago, or El Salvador lose to Mexico, or they draw with Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador draw with Mexico.
Costa Rica will finish fourth and play in the CONCACAF/CONMEBOL play-off if: they lose to Trinidad and Tobago AND Honduras defeat United States AND Mexico defeat El Salvador.
Costa Rica will be able to qualify only via the CONCACAF/CONMEBOL play-off if: they lose to Trinidad and Tobago AND Honduras defeat United States AND Mexico draw with El Salvador.
Simple!
And another thing
Trinidad and Tobago were coached by Renê Simões in 2001 and 2002. Back then he once famously benched current T&T coach Russell Latapy - then a player - for a disciplinary violation, adding spice to the weekend's duel.
