ISSUE CONCACAF.com
6
JUN/JUL
2014
To what do you attribute this overall success? JEFFREY WEBB, CONCACAF President FIFA/Getty Images
CONCACAF’S SUCCESS IN THE WORLD CUP
“I believe it is a combination of different elements for each team. For one, the strong commitment from National Associations to player development is certainly showing with individual standouts on the field. I also believe that the fact that CONCACAF’s Gold Cup is
The Confederation placed three teams in the knockout stages of World Cup for the first time. Costa Rica advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in history, and was the first CONCACAF team to reach that round since 2002. During the 2014 World Cup, which crowned Germany champion after a 1-0 victory over Argentina, the U.S. reached the round of 16 for the second consecutive tournament, and although Mexico didn’t make it to the quarterfinals after falling to the Netherlands, it reached the knockout stages for a sixth consecutive time. Even though Honduras didn’t advance past the group stage, this was its second straight World Cup appearance and third overall.
played every 2 years, instead of every 4 years has a positive impact on the level of competition. Teams have the opportunity to play highly competitive games more often allowing them to evaluate their player pool at that level. We have also witnessed outstanding preparations and coaching in our teams. Managers have successfully executed exceptional tactics. We have also seen their ability to motivate and
“ We have also witnessed outstanding preparations and coaching in our teams. Managers have successfully executed exceptional tactics.” -Jeffrey Webb, CONCACAF President
unite their respective squads. Taking pressure off the players is key and our managers have proven to be proficient in making sure that their players are in the right frame of mind to compete.”