The road to the World Cup begins in earnest for the United States on Wednesday in an environment that, at least on paper, could scarcely be more hostile.
According to the U.S. State Department and reports from humanitarian groups, San Pedro Sula, the second biggest city in Honduras, is the most violent place on earth.
The conclusion is derived from data that shows a homicide rate of 159 deaths per 100,000 citizens, with widespread thievery, drug-related violence and social unrest rife just four years removed from a bloody military coup.
Michael Bradely is the man U.S will rely on to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil next year.
Teams in the CONCACAF region that encompasses North and Central America and the Caribbean are no strangers to various forms of perfectly authorized skullduggery, plus annoyances such as erratic refereeing and less than pristine playing conditions.
The road has to start somewhere, though, and despite San Pedro Sula’s nefarious reputation, things won’t get any easier as the U.S.’s campaign progresses throughout this year.
“Every continent has its tricky parts and difficult environments and San Pedro Sula definitely has its own difficult environment, but those are challenges that players need,” Klinsmann told reporters. “They need to go through those games, they need to prove themselves and they need to find ways to get the job done.
“I will always welcome these opportunities, these matches, because that’s what it’s all about, going to these places that are not your home, cozy environment and proving a point. The players are ready for that.”
As is generally the way, the wider American sports public has paid little attention to the side since its round of 16 defeat, under former head coach Bob Bradley, in the 2010 World Cup.
Personnel-wise, only Mexico has a stronger roster in CONCACAF than the USA. With Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley having developed into genuine stars, accompanied by an overall solid corps of players, the Americans are formidable.
“There is no easy way, not for Mexico, not for the United States, not for anybody,” he said. “You have to get your points, you have to win your games and you have to get the job done. You have to go into every game with the expectation that it’s going to be difficult, that it will challenge you to the limits. That’s our approach.”
Read also:
http://en.africatopsports.com/2013/02/05/brazil-ready-for-2014-world-cup/