The United States’ preparations for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago have been complicated by a flooded pitch in Couva, following torrential in the Caribbean.
Tuesday night’s game is being played at Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad, named after the former Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter, but a dramatic clean-up operation is required to ensure the match goes ahead given the considerable amount of standing water on the pitch following heavy rain.
The American squad attempted to train at the venue on Monday but first had to cross a wide puddle on the edge of the pitch, with the players firstly looking bemused by the situation they found themselves in before resorting to carrying each other over the water in a bid to prepare for the game.
United States were faced with a flooded pitch ahead of their clash with Trinidad and Tobago
The States need a win or a draw to secure safe passage to next summer’s World Cup
USA head coach Bruce Arena looked bemused as he sat in the dugout in Trinidad
Conditions on the field were so bad that the players took to training behind one of the goals, to avoid causing further damage to the field ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier.
The hosts usually play games at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad, but problems with the lighting system there have forced Tuesday’s match to be moved, with water pumps brought in to try and dry the field out.
The States sit third in their qualifying group, occupying the final automatic qualification spot with Mexico and Costa Rica already sure of their places in Russia. They are two points clear of both Panama and Honduras with a game to play and hold a vastly superior goal difference to the Central American duo.
The simplest and most painless way for the States to secure their place is by beating Trinidad. They are in control of their own fate and three points will be enough for them to punch their ticket to Russia.
DeAndre Yedlin is carried through the water surrounding the pitch by trainer Luis Ramirez
A draw should also be enough, given they hold a seven-goal cushion over Panama and are 12 clear of Honduras, meaning a monumental swing will be required for the States to pick up a point but still miss out.
They could lose and still finish third, of course, but defeat will put them in danger of missing out on Russia completely if both Panama and Honduras win, while appearing in a play-off against either Australia or Syria will be their scenario if only one of their qualification rivals is successful.
Despite being clear favourites to secure qualification, the USA were not taking anything for granted, when they spoke prior to their visit to Trinidad.
Team captain Michael Bradley, formerly of Aston Villa, also received a lift through the puddle
‘The job’s not done yet,’ said striker Jozy Altidore. ‘We need a result and we know it’s going to be a tough place to play.’
‘It’s been a long road to put ourselves in this situation,’ midfielder Michael Bradley said. ‘Ultimately, we’ve played 15 games in qualifying and now we’ve got a chance in 90 minutes in Trinidad to finish the job and make sure we’re on the plane to Russia.
‘I think the motivation will be huge to go down there and do whatever it takes.’