There’s no getting around the enormity of the United States-Panama World Cup qualifier Friday night.
“If you thought Costa Rica was a big game, this is probably the biggest game in a long time,” Union captain Alejandro Bedoya said, referring to the last time he left Philadelphia to suit up for the national team.
But for all the hype and panic among fans and critics, any discussion of the U.S.’ predicament should include a look at the history books. Bruce Arena has been in a situation very much like the current one as the national team’s head coach.