The United States national team has a lot of matches ahead on the road to the 2014 World Cup, but the two upcoming games against Jamaica will go a long way in securing a bid.
These teams are trying to advance to the next round of qualifying by finishing in the top two in the group that includes Guatemala, Antigua and Barbuda. The upcoming series could define this stage of play as everyone tries to jockey for position.
First Match
Where: National Stadium Kingston, Jamaica
When: September 7, 8 p.m. ET
TV: beIN Sport
Live Stream: ESPN3
Second Match
Where: Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
When: September 11, 8 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Live Stream: ESPN3
Preview
The United States should get a huge boost in confidence after defeating Mexico in a friendly last month. It was the team's first-ever win in Mexico and it did it despite missing Clint Dempsey and other top players.
However, there will be much more pressure on the team against Jamaica. A disappointing draw against Guatemala caused some doubt among the team's supporters, although there will be plenty of time to make up the points.
Jamaica, on the other hand, should feel good about its position through two games. A win over Guatemala and a scoreless draw against Antigua and Barbuda gave the team four points and some breathing room in the group. Even a poor performance in two matches against the U.S. would not eliminate them from contention.
The key for Team USA on offense will be ball movement. Under Jurgen Klinsmann, the squad has been better at attacking, but it needs to continue to spread the ball around and get more opportunities for the forwards. It will be tougher without injured stars Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley, but the younger players need to step up in their place.
Defensively, they simply need to avoid making mental errors. Mistakes on defense led to goals in the first two qualifying games, while Tim Howard needed to have a superb game in goal to keep Mexico scoreless in the friendly.
The back line can stay aggressive, but it cannot fall asleep for even a second in what will sure to be two competitive games.
Prediction
America would love to get two victories to seal its spot in the next round of qualifying, but it might be tough to finish on top on the road in Jamaica. Instead, the team should be satisfied with four points combined in the next two games.
Expect a 1-1 draw in Kingston while the U.S. finishes on top with a 2-0 victory in Columbus.
Bleacherreport.com
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