MIAMI, (Reuters) – All three regional places in the World Cup finals remain up for grabs as the tightly contested CONCACAF qualification process reaches the penultimate round tomorrow.
The United States, who lead the six-team group on 16 points, would book their place in next year’s finals in South Africa with a win in Honduras although that is a far from simple task.
The Hondurans, who despite the distractions of a military coup, are seeking their first appearance in the finals since 1982. With a 100 percent home record in qualifying, they will fancy their chances of maintaining that form.
Mexico, who made a poor start to qualifying, are second on 15 points and have an easier task at home to fifth-placed El Salvador despite an injury doubt over influential forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco.
Former group leaders Costa Rica have slumped to fourth following defeats by Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador.
After Rodrigo Kenton was fired last month, new coach Rene Simoes hopes to get them back on track against his former team Trinidad and Tobago.
The top three teams in the group qualify automatically while the fourth-placed side has to playoff against the fifth-placed team in South America — currently twice world champions Argentina.