Both countries dropped points in their last match, but both USA and Mexico could benefit from a victory on Tuesday.

USA would qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with victory over Mexico on Tuesday, September 10, 2013.Preview: Colombus Crew Stadium welcomes an imporant match for both countries

When the USMNT boarded their plane en route to Costa Rica, they knew that a hostile environment would awaite them. Along with that anti-American atmosphere, Jürgen Klinsmann's side also had potential suspensions hanging over them.

In front of 35,000 fans at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa, Los Ticos rose to the ocassion and defeated the USMNT, leaving them in a delicate situation heading into their next match.

Now as the USA prepares for their match in Colombus, they will have to do so without Geoff Cameron, Matt Besler and Jozy Altidore, who all saw a yellow card  in Friday's match. Altidore's yellow card will have frustrated fans, as well as Klinsmann, with it stemming from a needless bump on a Costa Rican defender late in the match. 

For table analysis, click here. You can also learn about what a win, draw or loss would mean to both USA and Mexico

 

"It was absolutely not necessary," Klinsmann told reporters after the match. "But it is what it is."

Another absence for the USMNT will likely be Michael Bradley, who picked up an injury in warm-ups before the Costa Rica match. After limping off the pitch before kick-off, Bradley was later seen on the bench with crutches, which forces Klinsmann to call in a replacement for the Roma midfielder.

Regardless who takes the field for the Americans, the full three points will be their goal, and after Mexico's latest defeat at home against Honduras, the USMNT should have some added belief. Adding to El Tri's frustrations, manager Jose Manuel De La Torre was dismissed early Saturday morning, leaving Luis Fernando Tena in charge.

With or without De La Torre, the Mexican players know that their fans are far from happy, but they are aware of what a victory against the USA could do for their confidence.

After drawing in their first meeting in March at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico knows that failure to win could make life very difficult for them. They will host Panama in October, and they will finish their qualification stage with a tough away match against Costa Rica.

If they were to lose to the USA on Tuesday, eight points would separate them from the Yanks. What could add to their frustrations is if Panama somehow managed to steal points from Honduras.

Barely hanging onto the fourth spot in the group, the pressure is all on Mexico, although American fans will not want to see their side drop points for a second consecutive match. 

El Tri will be desparate to bounce back after their defeat, as will the USA, but most importantly, the USMNT could take advantage of a Mexican team out of sorts, with the addition of their manager being dismissed.

Where to watch the match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores 

Watch USA vs Mexico live Tuesday, September 10, 2013:

In Canada at 20:00 ET on: Sportsnet One

In the USA at 20:00 ET on: UniMás, Watch ESPN, ESPN USA, ESPN Mobile TV, Univision Deportes

Fans in Mexico can follow the action on TV Azteca 7, TDN Mexico and Canal 5 Televisiva. For all other viewing areas, be sure to check the USA vs Mexico match page for full TV listings.