USA-Honduras: 3 Keys to the Game

The US can earn their fifth consecutive trip to the World Cup with a win tonight, but that will not be an easy task. With that in mind, here are three keys to the game that will be important in deciding if the US can pull off a positive result.

1) Center midfield: The probable tandem of Michael Bradley and Ricardo Clark will need to control the middle of the field on both ends. With midfielders Amado Guevara and Elvis Turcios suspended for the match, the US will dominate the center of the field. The US has struggled offensively in open play over the last couple qualifiers, so quality distribution from the center of the park will be critical in building the attack. Also, possession has been an issue in the past, so Bradley and Clark will need to be poised on the ball and make smart decisions going forward.

2) Containing Honduras' strikers: Of Honduras' 14 goals in the Hex, 11 have been scored by Carlo Costly and Carlos Pavon. The US backline, already missing injured centerback Jay DeMerit, will have to keep these two off the score sheet if they want to escape San Pedro Sula with at least point. As if that weren't enough, Honduras will also be able to throw David Suazo at the Yanks. The Inter Milan striker has missed a good amount of the Hex with a torn meniscus. but featured in Honduras' last pair of qualifiers, scoring a goal against Trinidad & Tobago. Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, and the outside backs will certainly have their hands full and cannot afford to give up any cheap goals.

3) Taking the crowd out of the game: Playing in Central America is never easy, and the crowds are always passionate, to say the least. With the recent turmoil in Honduras, this match means even more to the country, so expect a raucous crowd in Estadio Metropolitano. It's important that the US (and referee Roberto Moreno) are not intimidated and keep their composure. This is where some possession will really help take the air out of the ball and take the crowd out of the match. An early goal would also do wonders for this, but the US would need to maintain that lead for a solid stretch afterwards. As we saw in Estadio Azteca, an early goal doesn't mean much if you give one up just minutes later.

Obviously, there are so many other key factors in this match, but we figured we'd just leave it to those three for now. We hope you're enjoying the day of qualifying around the world, with several other teams booking their spot in the World Cup. Try to get out to the nearest bar or restaurant showing the game tonight and support the Yanks in their quest for South Africa.