The United States did not start things off very well, having been defeated 2-1 to Honduras in the opening match of the group. Dealing with the heat at San Pedro Sula was not an easy task, which has led the USMNT to arrive a few days earlier than normal.
Jurgen Klinsmann believes that two days is not enough for the players to get adjusted to the heat in places such as Honduras and Jamaica, which is why the American's touched down in Kingston on Tuesday.
"We really felt it was important to get the guys here early, get settled, and get used to the environment," said Klinsmann. "We learned back in February against Honduras that when you come in only two days before to a place where it is 90 degrees and high in humidity, it is simply not possible to adjust."
"So we will get in a few training sessions and experience what the field will be like, and we will be well prepared for Friday," added the former German International.
With plenty of time to prepare having arrived on Tuesday, the USA also got a chance to watch the Reggae Boyz fall at home against Mexico later that night. That defeat leaves Jamaica last with only two points, after having started with a promising 0-0 draw away to Mexico.
A victory for the US could see them jump into first place, depending on how Mexico does against Panama. If Jamaica is able to lift themselves from the bottom of the table against the Americans, Klinsmann's side could potentially fall into last place, if Costa Rica is able to at least grab a point against Honduras.
Even if the visitors are only able to grab a point, things still do not look all that bad. The top three in the group get a guaranteed spot at next year's World Cup in Brazil, while the fourth placed country will have to play against New Zealand in order to decide who gets to enjoy the warm weather and beaches in South America next summer.
Obviously the US will not want to make things more difficult on themselves, but knowing that they are within striking distance of a top spot, they will need to make sure that they do not lose.
On Friday, Tappa Whitmore's side will be out to make life difficult for the American side. Dealing with the heat will be hard enough, let alone having to deal with the pace and athleticism the Jamaican's bring to the table.
They may not be the best on the ball, and they may not have the greatest pitch, but when they play that drop pass and long ball over the back line into the path of an overlapping runner, things can get really ugly in a hurry.
Now picture that scenario and add in the defensive issues the USA has had as of late and you have yourself a reason for concern. Klinsmann will be hoping that his side's defeat against Belgium and their slender victory against Germany will have give his players some added confidence, as well as an idea on how to fix their mistakes.
This match could be a toss up, but if Tuesday's match was a near must win for Jamaica, Friday's match will be even more important considering they lost against El Tri.
Their need for three points will be obvious, forcing them to take some risks going forward, which should open up space for players like Clint Dempsey to get forward and cause problems.
Prediction
Jamaica 1-2 USA
