Preview: Slim hopes for the Reggae Boyz, progress for USA
The United States have reached the promise land already. That said, Friday’s home match against the Jamaicans appears as a great opportunity for the squad to test its strength. In the absence of key players like veteran striker Clint Dempsey, coach Jurgen Klinsmann is expected to try out different things.
“We want to finish qualifying on a high note and prove a point in our region. We don’t view these games [against Jamaica and Panama] as the end of World Cup qualifying,” said the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup winning manager.
“For us, it’s the start of preparations for the World Cup, and therefore we have to continue to raise the bar. We have had such amazing support from our fans throughout the last two years, and we owe it to them to put our best foot forward.”
The USMNT’s home record thus far is perfect and they are yet to concede a goal. In front of their fans, they have beaten Costa Rica (1-0), Panama (2-0), Honduras (1-0) and more recently Mexico (2-0) in the Hexagonal. Keeping the momentum ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup is important for the United States.
Meanwhile, Jamaica are yet to win a single game in the Fourth Round. They were left with a bitter taste in their mouth in June this year when they hosted the Americans. English Premier League striker Jozy Altidore broke the deadlock after 30 minutes but when Jermaine Beckford equalized on 89 minutes, the hosts thought they had cut the three points into one each. However, nerves settled in and Brad Evans netted a 92nd match winner for the visitors.
Mathematically, there is no way the Reggae Boyz can qualify for the World Cup automatically. The play-off spot is their only option as they seat four points behind Panama and Mexico with only two games to go. Beating USA away from home would be a historic achievement but how likely is that?
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch USA vs Jamaica live on Friday, October 11, 2013:
In USA at 18:30 ET on: UniMás, WatchESPN, ESPN3, ESPN USA, Univision Deportes, SiriusXM FC, ESPN Deportes Radio
For United States home matches, trust ESPN networks with live telecast. The game will also be widely broadcast on TV and in live streaming online around the world. Please visit the USA-Jamaica match page for live scores and LiveSoccerTV's exclusive compilation of global live listings.
