The CONCACAF is back in action tonight with Mexico visiting the United States, Honduras hosting Panama and Costa Rica squaring off against Jamaica.
With three qualifiers to play and only seven points separating fifth place from first place, it’s still all to play for. Below we preview all the CONCACAF qualifying action and remember to check back with NBC Sports Pro Soccer Talk for plenty of coverage on all the international games.
United States vs. Mexico
It doesn’t get any bigger than this.
The U.S. enters the match fresh off a 3-1 loss to Costa Rica where almost everything seemed to go wrong. From Michael Bradley’s injury in warm-ups, to the yellow card accumulations of Matt Besler, Geoff Cameron and Jozy Altidore, the Stars & Stripes find themselves in tight circumstances against a formidable opponent.
That being said, boss Jurgen Klinsmann has done wonders to strengthen the depth of the squad and with a victory, coupled with Honduras avoiding defeat to second to last placed Panama, the Americans will qualify for Brazil with two matches to spare.
If the U.S. comes in limping, Mexico comes in on their knees. El Tri find themselves in a bona fide crisis after losing 2-1 to Honduras at home last week. The second home loss in their 77 game qualifying history was enough for Mexico to dismiss coach Jose Manuel Chepo de la Torre and hire Luis Fernando Tena, who guided the country to its gold medal success in the London Olympics.
Making matters worse for fourth place Mexico is absence of Gerardo Torrado, who is out due to suspension. The last time Mexico won World Cup qualifier on U.S. soil?
September 10, 1972 in Los Angeles, California.
Honduras vs. Panama
Hot off their 2-1 victory over Mexico last week, third place Honduras will look to continue their upward trend with a victory over second from bottom Panama on Tuesday night.
Los Catrachos return home to the friendly confines of the Estadio Olimpico where they’re undefeated in the Hexagonal. With a victory, Luis Fernando Suarez’s men could go even on points with the Americans if Mexico wins in Columbus.
After a four match unbeaten streak in the Hex, which included a 2-0 win over Honduras and a 0-0 draw with Mexico, Panama have managed only a single point in their last three matches. If Los Canaleros are to preserve hope of sneaking into a qualifying spot, taking a point in this match will be crucial.
Jamaica vs. Costa Rica
Could be an interesting matchup in the Caribbean tonight.
For Jamaica, the scenario is straightforward – win or be eliminated. It’s something the Reggae Boyz have yet to do in the Hex, let alone at home. But as the U.S. found out in September 2012, Kingston can be a might difficult place to play and perhaps new coach Winfried Schaefer can spark a rally for the ages.
Costa Rica, however, will be riding a tidal wave of confidence. The Ticos knocked off the U.S. 3-1 last Friday, avenging last March’s 1-0 loss in the Snow Bowl. The victory put Costa Rica on fourteen points and first in the group meaning a victory on Tuesday will see them through to next summer’s World Cup.
