How close is the U.S. men’s national team to clinching a place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup?
A win at Trinidad & Tobago on Wednesday (ESPN Classic/Galavision, 7 p.m.) ensures a top-four finish in the six-team final round of regional qualification — the top three places nab automatic bids. The U.S. currently is second in the group, behind Honduras on goal differential (GD).
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How close is the U.S. from failing to earn an automatic berth and dropping into a difficult, if not impossible, home-and-away series against a South American team?
A loss in Port of Spain could mean a drop into fourth place with two difficult games remaining (Oct. 10 at Honduras, Oct. 14 vs. Costa Rica). Seven U.S. players are just one yellow card away from a one-game suspension that would kick in for those matches.
The margin for error mirrors the team’s form, as defensive blunders in last weekend’s 2-1 win over El Salvador have increased the outcry for New Mexico-born Edgar Castillo to move into the American back line after FIFA approved the switch of his international allegiance from Mexico.
But with Landon Donovan‘s red hot form and the emerging attacking tandem of Jozy Altidore and Charlie Davies, the U.S. should return from the Caribbean with clearer visions of being a part of the final World Cup draw in Cape Town on December 4.
