Follow
The chances of the U.S. Boys’ Youth National Team finishing outside the bottom four places at World Championship largely depends to it being able to defeat one of the world’s top ranked teams.
No. 9 United States will continue its consolation second-round pool-play with a match agianst No. 2 Russia on Thursday in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The United States after losing its second-round Pool H opener must defeat Russia to remain alive for a ninth to 12th place finish at the World Championship. The top two teams in Pool H following the three-match consolation second round will advance to play for a ninth-place finish in the 16-team international tournament.
Check out what to know about this second-round match between the United States and Russia.
No. 9 United States (1-3, 0-1 Pool H) vs. No. 2 Russia (2-2, 1-0 Pool H)
Match vitals: 9 p.m. (8 p.m. EST) in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Follow live: Live stats
Last medal finish at World Championship: United States (never); Russia (2005 gold)
Incoming or current NCAA players on roster: United States (nine); Russia (zero)
What to know: If the United States wants to finish in the top half of its second-round pool it will have to defeat Russia. The United States enters this match in last place in Pool H after losing in four games to No. 4 Iran in its consolation bracket second-round pool-play opener Wednesday. With the loss, the United States’ losing streak extended to three matches. Russia defeated No. 19 Korea in five games Wednesday to move into second place in Pool H. Both the United States and Russia being in the consolation bracket can finish the 16-team international tournament no better than ninth place. A United States loss against Russia would eliminate it from ninth-place consideration and it could finish no higher than 13th place, while a Russia win would clinch the team a spot in the semifinals for ninth place.
huge match against such a huge and strong team. boys have to step up today, they got stuff to prove!