Team USA fights to keep its World Cup dream alive.
The United States could potentially be eliminated from the 2014 World Cup.
It's a long shot, but it's mathematically possible that the United States is eliminated tonight. If the USA loses to Guatemala, and Jamaica beats Antigua and Barbuda by a big enough margin to overtake the United States in group goal difference, Team USA would be knocked out of the 2014 World Cup.
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Jürgen Klinsmann is facing his first real "must-win" game as a manager.
The US only technically needs a draw to advance to the final round of CONCACAF qualification, but playing at home in Kansas City against the 81st ranked nation in the world -- it's a must-win. Klinsmann made some bold calls selecting his roster for this series of matches, omitting in-form striker Jozy Altidore and the leading scorer in MLS, Chris Wondolowski. If the U.S. sputters to another disappointing draw, people will be calling for Klinsmann's head.
Image by Luca Bruno, File / AP
The last time these two teams played, Clint Dempsey broke a defender's ankles*.
*Clint Dempsey did not literally break the defender's ankles. Just his spirit.
It'll be over before the debate starts.
Not sure that's a plus or not, but it's a fact.
The game starts at 6:30pm EDT on ESPN2.
Image by Jason Reed / Reuters