Ecstasy inside Anfield was the theme for last week’s article, and boy did the Reds live up to the billing!  Not only did Liverpool win its two fixtures, but they did so in stunning style!  Led by Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, the Reds dispatched Hoffenheim 4-2 and mighty Arsenal 4-0!  At the time I was writing “Anfield Ecstasy”, I thought I was making a bit of an ambitious prediction with the 4-2 score line.  In actuality however, the Reds ended up out shinning that forecast.  In truth, the 4-0 drubbing of bullet-less Arsenal, had just as much to do with Liverpool’s virtuoso performance as it did the Gunners obvious lack of commitment to their craft and their coach.  Overall though, Liverpool’s wondrous week means that they’ll be competing in the Champions League once again and are to be considered legitimate contenders for winning a 19th domestic league title.

This week, we switch gears back to international football.  World Cup Qualifiers will be taking place all around the globe, thus I’ve picked two matches that are must see.  First, a pivotal contest between Uruguay and Argentina will commence Thursday night.  Secondly, on Friday, the United States will square off against Costa Rica.  So, without further ado, let’s get you ready for the high stakes footballing action.

Uruguay vs Argentina
CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier
Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay
Thursday, August 31st, 2017    7:00PM ET    beIN Sports Spanish

With just four matches left to be played in the CONMEBOL WCQ and four points separating 2nd place from sixth, every point is precious.  Currently, Uruguay sits third, whilst Argentina, the world’s third best team according to FIFA, currently occupies the fifth and final World Cup slot.  With that said, only two points separate these two teams.  Thus, a win for either side would go a long way to solidifying said positions.  On the pitch, Lionel Messi will be smiling inside knowing that his club teammate, and Uruguayan hitman, Luis Suarez wont be suiting up due to a leg injury suffered in the Supercopa de Espana second leg.  But, Uruguay can still pack a punch as Paris Saint Germain’s star striker Edinson Cavani and Seattle Sounders’ Nicolas Lodeiro will be ready to test Argentina’s dynamite defensive duo in Nicolas Otamendi and Javier Mascherano.

As for the Albiceleste’s offensive firepower, look no further than the aforementioned Lionel Messi.  The five time Ballon d’Or winner and 2014 FIFA World Cup Player of the Tournament, will look to carry a squad littered with on paper talent.  I say on paper because too often Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero, players that are considered to be of the upper echelon in world football, seem to forget their skills in high stakes affairs.  This leaves La Pulga to carry the load all by his lonesome.  Luckily for Messi, Mauro Icardi has finally been selected to the national team squad and Paulo Dybala is available as well.  Icardi has been in fine fettled form to begin the Serie A season, scoring four goals from two fixtures.  As for Dybala, well he just scored a hat trick this past weekend.

LSB Prediction:  On paper, Argentina should win this match without question.  However, the game is played on the pitch, and in Uruguay as well.  Thus, a hard fought fixture between two of South America’s most trophy laden sides will be on show Thursday night.  But with Argentina currently flirting with World Cup omission, Messi will insure that the Albiceleste earns all three points with a late on moment of magic.  2-1 Argentina

United States vs Costa Rica
CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier (The Hex)
Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey, United States
Friday, September 1st, 2017    7:00PM ET    ESPN

It’s matchday seven of the Hexagonal.  Currently Costa Rica sits second in the standings, three points ahead of Team USA.  In CONCACAF, the top four finishers of qualifying advance to World Cup Russia 2018.  A win for either side will virtually be assured of a spot in next year’s premier footballing competition.  A loss however, particularly for the Americans, could provide some unwanted stress for the remaining three fixtures.  Remember, USA still has to play fifth placed Honduras away, and fourth placed Panama.  Panama is just one point back of Team USA, while Honduras is one game back.  

Come Friday night, both squads will be at full strength, unlike this summer’s Gold Cup semifinal.  For the Ticos, Galactico goalkeeper Keylor Navas will be between the pipes.  Meanwhile, further up the field you’ll find a quartet of MLS players in Fransisco Calvo, Rodney Wallace, David Guzman, Johan Venegas, and Marco Urena.  As for The United States, the squad’s golden boy, and in my mind the country’s best player, Christian Pulisic is back in the team, as is Geoff Cameron.  Also, keep an eye out for Clint Dempsey.  He’ll likely come off the bench, but the United States co-top goalscorer is always a threat in front of goal and on set pieces. 

LSB Prediction:  The match will be played in Red Bull Arena, home of the New York Red Bulls.  Therefore, a full and raucous eastern-shore crowd will be ever present.  I expect the Americans to feed off of the American Outlaw energy and produce a front-footed performance.  Pulisic will score and assist, whilst Dempsey caps the night by pushing Landon Donavon aside with his 58th career international goal.  3-1 United States