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This is what happens when you try to have some fun and take Martinique for granted. You almost lose to a team that’s not even recognized by FIFA. This is my fault. I take full responsibility. It wasn’t the lackadaisical player performances or the poor tactics. It was my snarkiness that caused it all. Not any more. It’s time to get serious here.
Nicaragua is up next with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line. While there are no assurances of advancement, Bruce Arena is apparently already making plans with Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore already with the team. To avoid one of biggest embarrassments in U.S. Soccer history, they must ride with the reserve side assembled for the group stage and get at least a point against Nicaragua today.
Nicaragua are pointless through the first two group matches and sport a -3 goal differential. It would be a take a true and violent misstep for the U.S. not to at least advance to the knockout stages. However, if their performance against Martinique is any indication, it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility. No one knows what the lineup will look like. There’s no point of even trying to guess. Whichever 11 Bruce calls on will need to come together and play with pride to wipe away the stench left behind from Wednesday’s performance.
This game will air in English on FXX. A channel some of you may not be aware of. If you need help finding the channel number in your area, click here.
Lineups
United States lineup:
in for #USAvNCA! Introducing our starting XI for our #GoldCup2017 group stage finale.
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) July 15, 2017
Lineup notes: https://t.co/rL3hXo53y4 pic.twitter.com/slb6778zLQ
Nicaragua lineup:
Nicaragua XI vs. usmnt: Lorente; Quijano, Rosas, Copete, Errington; Lopez, Cadena, Galeano, Garcia, Peralta; Barrera
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) July 15, 2017
How to Watch
Venue: FirstEnergy Stadium; Cleveland, Ohio
Kickoff Time: 7:00 p.m. ET, 4:00 p.m. PT
Available TV: FXX, UniMas, Univision Deportes
Available Streams: Fox Sports Go, Univision Deportes, fuboTV (free trial), Sling TV
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