The USMNT plays a virtual must-win game on Friday. After dropping its first two World Cup qualifying games, failure to defeat Honduras at home would put the USMNT in a hole it might be impossible to climb out of.
Everything you need to know about the USMNT before it faces Honduras
Get caught up on the United States men’s national team and what you’ve missed ahead of its big World Cup qualifier against Honduras.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Bruce Arena’s lineup options are seriously limited due to injuries and suspensions. Bobby Wood, Fabian Johnson, and DeAndre Yedlin are huge misses. If you want an in-depth tactical preview, we recommend this post from Matt Doyle.
Clint Dempsey is back on the team after receiving treatment for a heart condition and clearance to play. He sat down with ESPN’s Julie Stewart-Binks to talk about his condition, treatment, and recovery.
Here’s a look at approximately how screwed the USMNT is if it loses. And if you’d like some help dealing with your emotions with regard to that, we can help you sort those out too.
The game kicks off at 10:50 p.m. ET, and you can catch it on FS1 and Univision Deportes.
Goal of the day
Neymar’s long run and chip for Brazil against Uruguay. (r/soccer)
In the news
Three days before El Clásico, Lionel Messi will find out if he’s going to jail. (AS)
Spurs fans, time to freak out. Mauricio Pochettino met Barcelona chairman Jose Maria Bartomeu for lunch. (Sport)
In other bad Tottenham news, Dele Alli picked up a three-game European suspension. (Cartilage Free Captain)
If you were hoping for another Landon Donovan return, too bad. He’s officially retired. (ESPN FC)
On a related note, here’s Landon Donovan jumping off a food truck and into a crowd.
Chris Smalling is out of the England squad with an injury, and he’s been replaced by Ben Gibson. (FA)
The Milan deposits keep creeping in slowly. Sino Europe-Sports got another €30 million to Fininvest on Friday. (Football Italia)
You should be reading
Matthew Santangelo on Italy’s talented youth and the Azzurri’s need to trust them now. (The Gentlemen Ultra)
Sid Lowe on Spain counting on something similar, with continuity from the Under-21s to the senior team with coach Julen Lopetegui. (ESPN FC)
Emre Sarigul on Enes Unal, the Turkish wonderkid ready to make an impact for Manchester City. (Guardian)
What happened on Thursday
Brazil dominated and is all but in the World Cup.
Alexis Sanchez played hurt as Chile lost to Argentina.
What to watch on Friday (click for listings, all times ET)
World Cup qualifying: 12 games (from 1 p.m.) — We recommend Wales-Ireland, Mexico-Costa Rica, and USA-Honduras.
