The first round of the CONCACAF World Cup 2014 Qualifiers is at an end and only six teams remain. They will all vie for the three spots that will secure them passage to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The fourth place team will compete in a two legged playoff against the winner of the Oceania Qualifiers for a chance at the World Cup.
Group A saw the US and Jamaica make it through with tremendous wins in their final matches. The US finally looked like the team many were expecting as they rolled through Guatemala 3-1. They fell behind early, but after securing the lead in the first half, they locked down on defense and never permitted Guatemala entry. They will need to play like this if they want to compete against far greater challenges.
Jamaica qualified on the strength of a 4-1 win over Antigua and Barbuda in which the Victors jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes of the game, including 2 goals in under a minute. That win coupled with Guatemala's loss to the US gave Jamaica passage to the next round. They are arguably the weakest team of the six remaining and will need to use their speed against more dynamic defenses such as Mexico and Honduras.
Mexico finished off a perfect Group stage with a 2-0 win over El Salvador. El Tri got goals from Oribe Peralta and Javier Hernandez and only allowed 2 goals in six games. They are the best team in the CONCACAF and should have no problem qualifying for the World Cup.
Joining them was Costa Rica who pulled off a 7-0 destruction of Guyana and secured their berth with the win. They have shown a propensity for offensive prowess, but have not always been the most adequate defense. They are one of the stronger contenders for the third or fourth spot.
After a dreadful start to the World Cup Qualifiers, Honduras found a way to win Group C with an imposing 8-1 defeat of Canada. Remember the 2012 Olympics when this squad was primed to upset Brazil? Honduras has advanced a great deal in World Soccer and could be a favorite to win second seed on the table if the US falters. If not, then third place is a great bet for this offensive juggernaut that includes the dynamic Jerry Bengston. Their strong defense must not be overlooked as they only allowed 3 goals in qualifying.
After jumping out to the group lead, Panama only managed draws in their final two matches and got through in second place. Of the six squads, they had the worst offensive output in the qualifying, but only allowed 2 goals through six games. They are deceptive squad that could surprise in close matches.
Prediction: It is still early as the next qualifiers will not be played until March, but based on recent performances here are the predictions for who advances when all is said and done at the end of next year.
1. Mexico: I firmly believe they win every single match in this tournament. They could draw or lose to the US on the road, but they are too talented and deep to lose more than three points.
2. USA: Klinsmann has five months to get all his players back and rethink his strategies. The US will be in prime form come March.
3. Honduras: Their offense is too good and this team is strong enough to take second place in qualifying.
4. Costa Rica: They will push Honduras hard for the third spot, but will settle at fourth place.
5. Panama: Defense will not be an issue and they will frustrate many teams. Lack of Offense will be their downfall.
6. Jamaica: I think Jamaica wins a game or two, but it will lose both matches to Mexico and both to the USA. I think they only take one point from Costa Rica and another from Honduras but their only hopes for victory lie with Panama.
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