A loss to Honduras in the first match of the Hexagonal had American fans wondering if the former German international was the right person for the job. The fear of potentially missing out on an opportunity to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil was a serious concern, but fortunately for Klinsmann, things have worked out in his favor.
Since that first defeat when Juan Garcia and Jerry Bengston had US fans worried, Clint Dempsey and co. have managed three victories and one draw. That lone draw came against Mexico in a scoreless draw in Mexico City.
Back to back victories over Jamaica and Panama now has the USA full of confidence, ahead of their match against Honduras, which could turn out to be a very important match.
If the Americans are to defeat Honduras, that will keep them at the top of their group with 13 points. A draw could see them remain in first, but they would need Panama to not allow Costa Rica to earn the full three points. Failure to win for the Americans could really turn this group on its head.
Losing Tuesday's match would leave the USMNT on 10 points, two ahead of Mexico, and four ahead of fifth placed Panama (depending how they do in their match against Costa Rica). Between first and fifth, their could be as little as a three point gap after Tuesday's matches.
Defeating Honduras would not only allow the Americans to repay their defeat at San Pedro Sula in February, but it would put them in a very good position heading into their final four matches.
They will be coming off one of their better performances under Klinsmann, and they will be up against a Honduras side that is on the verge of coming undone.
Rumors were circulating that after not starting their last match against Jamaica, New England Revolution's Jerry Bengston left their camp, after getting into an argument with the manager.
Without the Honduran striker whose goal in February gave Honduras three points, Luis Suarez will also be without Muma Bernardez and Luis Garrido who are both serving a suspension. Maynor Figueiroa and Oscar Boniek Garcia could also be out with injuries, adding to their managers existing selection issues.
US manager Jurgen Klinsmann will also have a headache when it comes to choosing Tuesday's starting XI, but his headache may be slightly better.
Graham Zusi will be back in the lineup on Tuesday after serving a suspension against Panama. Jermaine Jones could also make his way back into the squad if he is able to overcome a concussion he picked up against Jamaica, which kept him out of their last match against Panama. One advantage for Klinsmann is seeing how Geoff Cameron played in their last match, he should not feel the need to rush back Jones. The Stoke player played a pivotal role in their match against Panama, and if needed, his performance proved that he could do more of the same in Utah against Honduras.
Replacing Demarcus Beasley at left-back will likely be the only serious concern for the US manager. He could opt to play Edgar Castillo in that position, or even move Fabian Johnson back.
Regardless of who Klinsmann sends out, the Americans will know that their climb to the top is not done yet. Their are still five matches remaining, and given how tight the standings look at the moment, a slight mental lapse in one or two matches as we saw in their first meeting with Honduras could really throw things off.
With a number of injuries within the squad and suspensions, Honduras could be on their way to a third defeat in four matches, but the Americans should not write them off just yet.
Klinsmann's players will know how important this match is, and grabbing nine out of nine points would really give the squad a lift.
Expect the US to come out building off their last two victories, but dealing with the 90 degree weather that is expected may condition them a little. For the US, anything other than a defeat is fine, but obviously the full three points would give them a much better cushion. As for Honduras, if they are to lose, that would leave them six points out of first, but their chances of a spot in Brazil next year are far from lost.
Prediction
USA 2-0 Honduras
