Snatching Away Points

Several players have mentioned in interviews the value of denying home teams the full three points during World Cup qualifying. The one point you earn in a draw is almost as valuable as the two points you take away from them, for example. It's particularly advantageous during the semifinal round, with only six games and little margin for error. With that in mind, we looked at the USA's results during the last qualifying cycle beginning in the semifinal phase to see the 'points taken'.

The U.S. posted a 3-2-3 record on the road, earning 12 points, which means 'denying' the home team 15 points. It's particularly advantageous during the semifinal round, with only six games and little margin for error. Scoring 10 goals during that span also proved beneficial, since the U.S. finished one better than Mexico in goal differential to claim the top spot in the final round hexagonal. And where did that one goal come from? Eddie Lewis, who scored against Mexico in Mexico City.