United States manager Bruce Arena express his disappointment after his team’s shocking elimination from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in its visit to Trinidad and Tobago.
“We didn’t qualify for the World Cup.That was my job. To get the team qualified for the World Cup.” Arena said after the Americans’ 2-1 to Trinidad and Tobago.
“This game in my view was perfectly positioned for the US team and we failed on the day. We have no excuses. We failed today.”
The loss in Port of Spain, combined with win by Panama over Costa Rica and Honduras over Mexico, dropped the United States to fifth place in the CONCACAF hexagonal, eliminating them from the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
“It’s clearly good for CONCACAF that it was such a competitive go at it this time around,” said Arena.
“Certainly Mexico has been the dominant team in the Hex. Costa Rica proved to be of quality. And the teams that finished 3rd (Honduras), 4th (Panama) and 5th (USA) were pretty inconsistent throughout the campaign.”
Arena also criticized his team’s failure to respond after both of Trinidad and Tobago’s goal, and took responsibility for the elimination.
“Clearly a poor first half. Certainly a few fortunate goals. Outstanding second goal. Unfortunate first goal. And a half where we didn’t play well,” said Arena.
“Started the second half in good shape. And no excuses for us not getting the second goal and at least a point out of the game. It’s a blemish for us. We should not be staying home for this World Cup. And I take the responsibility for that.”