Friday brings something of a momentous match, with the United States heading to Havana to face Cuba, playing within the island nation's borders for the first time since 2008 and for the first time since political relations improved between the countries for the first time in decades. This match may be just a friendly, but the weight of the occasion makes it feel like a lot more than that.
USA vs. Cuba 2016: Time, live TV schedule and team news for USMNT friendly
For the first time since 2008, the USMNT will play on Cuban soil.
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Now, on a competitive level, the USMNT are head and shoulders and then some above Cuba in terms of quality. Even the not-quite-A-list squad that the U.S. are bringing is more than up to the task of beating Cuba -- assuming normal circumstances. Given the way that the Cuban side will almost certainly be rising up because of the importance and symbolism of this match, the U.S. will likely have to step things up if they’re going to get the win they need ahead of their first match of the Hex round of World Cup qualifying for CONCACAF.
This is a big match, both on and off the pitch. Hopefully the USMNT treats it as such and puts in the quality performance they’re capable of. A win here is important, and could pay dividends down the road.
To watch this match online in the U.S. you can stream it on WatchESPN. It won’t be shown online in Cuba, but for listings in other countries you can check out LiveSoccerTV.
TV: ESPN2 (U.S. - English), UniMas, Univision Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Teke Rebelde (Cuba)
Match Date/Time: Friday, 4 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Pedro Marrero, Havana, Cuba
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