Despite what have been five disappointing games, the US Men's National Team is one point away from advancing to the hexagonal round of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers.
The US barely got through Antigua and Barbuda on Friday as a 90th minute goal from Eddie Johnson liberated a frustrated US offense. The Americans looked lethargic throughout the match and enabled a weak squad to dictate the pace of the match. Whether the US coach Jurgen Klinsmann is simply in a state of experimenting or if this is the future of US soccer is up to debate, but one thing is clear: the US's play to this point will not do them any favors when they take on squads like Mexico in the round of six teams. Defense is also questionable as in the 17 matches under Klinsmann, the US has only kept 5 clean sheets; hardly an inspiring figure when one considers that US keeper Tim Howard is among the elite in the world.
What makes this match interesting is the fact that Guatemala only needs one point to advance as well as it would give them 11 points. Guatemala knows that a loss opens up an opportunity for Jamaica to win against Antigua and Barbuda and potentially take second place in the group. Look for Guatemala to play a defensive minded match in which they try to limit the chances of an already weak US offense.
That does not mean that they will not let striker Carlos Ruiz run rampant on the US defense. Ruiz has four goals in five games of the Group Stage and three of them have been Guatemala's three game winners. If the US is to win this match, he must be contained.
Both squads will enter the game plagued by injuries. Defenders Carlos Gallardo, Elias Vasquez and Luis Rodriguez are out for Guatemala and their absence could be a determining factor in the match. The U.S., meanwhile, is without five players: Landon Donovan, Brek Shea and Edgar Castillo are all injured, while defender Fabian Johnson is stuck in Germany with a stomach flu. Meanwhile Jermaine Jones drew a yellow card against Antigua and Barbuda, which took away his opportunity of playing Tuesday.
A loss for the US would not necessarily hurt them as Jamaica would need a win by at least four goals in order to secure a spot in the next round. A win or draw is obviously preferred if only to prevent the stress of depending on another result. Guatemala is in the same boat as the US due to the fact that their goal differential is identical.
Predictions: Bleacher Report's Alex Kay has the US win 1-0 in a close match. His colleague John H. Halloran feels a US victory as well, but he is confident that home field advantage will lead to a victory of at least two or more goals. Latinospost predicts a US win as well. 2-0 on home field.
Start Time: 7 PM EDT