US fails to qualify for 'Road to Russia 2018', first since 1986

Lionel Messi's hat-trick against Ecuador lifted Argentina to the Russia World Cup.

2018 FIFA World Cup
2018 FIFA World Cup Reuters

The US team is out of the 2018 World Cup since 1986 after Trinidad and Tobago defeated them on 10 October, Tuesday.

While the Caribbean nation forced the US to stay out from next summer's world cup, a hat-trick by Argentina captain Lionel Messi during the qualifier match against Ecuador on the same day secured their place in the Russia World Cup.

According to ESPN Bruce Arena, the head coach of American soccer team said that they accepted that the national team has 'failed' on the match day and there were 'no excuses' for the team.

While American player Omar Gonzalez's own goal gave an early lead to their opponent, the Caribbean right back Alvin Jones extended the lead by scoring the second goal before half-time.

However, US winger Christian Pulisic managed to score one goal for his team after 45 minutes. But it did not help US to receive their desired position as wins from Panama and Honduras on 11 October hit the last nail to the coffin of team US's 2018 World Cup dream.

"Clearly we are very disappointed. We had everything there for us today. No excuses for us not getting a second goal and coming away with at least a point," Christian said after their defeat as quoted by ESPN.

"It's a blemish for us. We should not be staying at home for this World Cup and I take responsibility."

"It never mattered to us the scores of the other games. We failed on the day. No excuses. We failed today. We should have walked off this field with at least a point," the footballer concluded.

Now, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama have already qualified for the 2018 World Cup from the CONCACAF and Honduras has to face Australia to secure their place in the final list.

Argentina qualifies for 2018 world cup
Argentina qualifies for 2018 world cup Reuters

On the other hand, the 30-year-old Argentine lifted his country with his three goals into the list of world cup qualified teams from the CONMEBOL. After the win over Ecuador by 3-1 at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa in Quito, he became the first player in history to score 20 goals in a South American world cup qualifying match.

"I told the group that Messi does not owe Argentina a World Cup, but rather football owes the world to him," said Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli, quoted by thestar.com.

"Argentina took a step forward, and in time we can be competitive," Sampaoli concluded.

The Argentine star Messi had pushed his team to the 2014 world cup finals and became the best player. He would wish to live the dream once again as 2018 could be his last world cup appearance, as said by Goal.com.

"Luckily, we reacted quickly after Ecuador scored," Messi said after the match quoted by The Guardian.

"Thank God, we fulfilled our objective," the captain further added.

However, in the South American group (CONMEBOL), Argentina has received the third place next to Brazil and Uruguay with 28 points and pushed Colombia to the fourth position. According to FIFA world cup qualification rules, the fifth place receiver Peru has a playoff berth to seal their place for 'Road to Russia 2018'.

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