Hello everyone, we have a big evening in store for you!  One eye will be on the United States and the other eye on Argentina as the two nations aim to earn either a World Cup berth or a play-off spot.  The two matches will be held virtually simultaneously as the CONMEBOL fixture kicks off at 7:30PM, with the CONCACAF match beginning at 8:00PM.  Thus, we’ll have a 2 hour double dip of high stakes footballing bliss!  Without further ado, let’s delve into the two LSB Footballing Shorts.

Ecuador vs Argentina
CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier: Matchday 18
Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa, Quito, Ecuador
Tuesday, October 10th, 2017    7:30PM EST    beIN SPORTS ñ

Disbelief!  That’s the word that comes to mind when I think of the possibility of having a Lionel Messi-less 2018 FIFA World Cup.  However, this is the current situation that us fans, pundits, and most importantly the Argentina National Team are facing.  If Argentina, a team that’s lead by the best player in the world and perhaps of all-time in Messi, fails to win tonight, then there’s a strong likelihood that they’ll indeed miss out of futbol’s biggest stage.  It’s simple, win and you’re in.  Lose and you snooze.  Draw and pray for a handful of other results to fall your way.  

On the surface, Argentina should beat Ecuador without question.  Not only do they have Messi, but they have a core group of players that have reached the finals of the 2014 World Cup and 2015 and 2016 Copa Americas. The Tricolor have already been eliminated from reaching the World Cup andcurrently sit in 8th place.  Meanwhile, the Albiceleste have Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, Angel Di Maria, and Mauro Icardi.  That’s more than enough firepower for Argentina to earn a win against such an opponent.  However, Argentina have not played well throughout this World Cup Qualifying campaign, in particular when Messi was out due to injury and suspension.  Argentina earned just seven points from those eight games.  Even so, the Albiceleste had a golden opportunity to qualify for at minimum the play-off spot in fifth place with a win at home against Peru last time out.  Argentina drew, and Messi missed an easy one in front of goal that would have sealed victory.  In addition, Argentina haven’t won in Ecuador in over 10 years, as the high altitude of 9,127 feet plays a significant role for opponents inside the Estadio Olimpico Atalhuapla.  But, Excuses not an option for Argentina anymore.  Argentina must win. Messi must win, regardless of the situation, because a World Cup without La Pulga is a World Cup not worth watching.  Perhaps a bit harsh, but damn close.

LSB Prediction:  I simply can’t believe that this upcoming World Cup will be played without an in-prime Lionel Messi.  The man that took home the World Cup Player of the Tournament award in 2014, as well as the Photo of the Year.  Yes, that picture that captured a dejected Messi staring at the World Cup Trophy after losing to Germany in the Final.  That moment, that snapshot cannot be the last image of this magisterial man on futbol’s biggest stage.  Thus, Messi will mesmerize in Quito, earn all three points and a World Cup berth!  2-0 Argentina

Trinidad & Tobago vs United States of America
CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier:  Hexagonal, Matchday 10
Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, Trinidad
Tuesday, October 10th, 2017    8:00PM EST    beIN SPORTS

As for the Americans, things are a bit more comfortable.  A result, win or draw, and the United States will be headed to Russia.  The chances of this happening is virtually assured!  Trinidad is and will finish in dead last of the Hexagonal.  The Soca Warriors have accrued just three points over nine matchdays, thus far.  In addition, the Americans beat Trinidad 2-0 earlier in the campaign on US soil.  Combine that with the form the US team is currently in, they beat Panama 4-0 last week, and you have the makings of another win and a decisive one at that.  For all of the ebbs and flows, and highs and lows that have occurred through this final qualifying round, Team USAhave put themselves in a great position to advance.  Now it’s time to seize it, and start planning for next summer abroad. 

LSB Prediction:  With Christian Pulisic pulling the strings in the attacking third, this US squad looks primed to put the ball in the back of the net each and every game.  He possess those moments of magic that quite frankly haven’t been seen before in a Red, White, and Blue kit.  Those moments of brilliance will be on display tonight as the United States finally book its ticket to the Kremlin.  3-0 United States