The United States and Honduras face off in the first round of the hexagonal group stage in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers.
The United States struggled throughout the third round group stage in which they faced off against Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, and Guatemala. The United States defeated Antigua and Barbuda in its two meetings, but played inconsistently against both Jamaica and Guatemala. In the first tilt with Guatemala, the Americans blew a late 1-0 lead and settled for a 1-1 draw. In the first match with Jamaica, the United States was stunned in a 2-1 loss. Fortunately the team reversed its fortunes and secured a 1-0 win in the second leg with Jamaica and a defining 3-1 victory over Guatemala to close out the group stage. Clint Dempsey led the United States with five goals in the preliminary round. The big story for this club is the absence of Landon Donavan on the squad; it is the first time in 10 years that the team enters the hexagonal stage with the superstar.
Honduras got off to a rough start in the Group stage of the qualifiers but eventually won the group. In its first match with Panama, Honduras lost 2-0 before drawing 0-0 with Canada. In the ensuing match with Cuba, Honduras broke out for a 3-0 win and followed it up with 1-0 win over the Cubans. Honduras drew 0-0 with Panama but ended the group stage with an emphatic 8-1 thrashing of Canada. In that latter match, Jerry Bengston and Carlo Costly each score three goals. Bengston led the team with five goals in the first round.
According to The Shin Guardian, the United States Starting Lineup should consist of Jimmy Howard in goal; Tim Chandler, Geoff Cameron, Carlos Bocanegra, Fabian Johnson on defense; Maurice Edu, Michael Bradley, and Jermaine Jones in the Central Midfield; Graham Zusi and Clint Dempsey as the outer midfielders; and Hercules Gomez as the lone striker.
Predictions: The Americans have been an inconsistent lot under Jurgen Klinsmann and the game is being played in Honduras in 85 degree weather. It should benefit Honduras but I think it ends in a 0-0 draw.
Start Time: 4 PM EST
TV Info: beIN Sport USA
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