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One match, one spot in the U-20 World Cup.
That's what's on the line for the Untied States and Canada today, who meet in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF U-20 Championship. The winner will book their spot in Turkey for this June's World Cup and the loser will begin preparations for 2015.
The U.S. qualified for the quarterfinals by winning Group A. They beat Haiti 2-1 in their opening match, although they failed to impress and Daniel Cuevas was the only player who looked somewhat capable. The second match went better, although hardly perfect, as a Jose Villarreal goal provided the difference in 1-0 victory over Costa Rica.
Canada finished second in their group, losing to surprising Cuba 2-1 in their opener with just a 90th minute goal to show for their efforts. Like the U.S. they looked much better in their second match, throttling Nicaragua 5-1.
United States lineup: Cropper, Okwuonu, Ocegueda, Stanko, O'Neill, Trapp, Joya, Gil, Cuevas, Villarreal, Rodriguez
It comes down to this. Win and qualify. Seriously, win god damnit.