US hosts El Salvador in World Cup qualifier
Sunday, 6 September 2009
SANDY, Utah, Sept 5 (AP): The United States is not quite in second place and barely ahead of fourth as the World Cup qualifying stretch run begins.
Points are precious with only four games remaining and a very slim margin between being in or out of next summer's tournament in South Africa.
The Americans host El Salvador on Saturday, clinging to one of the three guaranteed spots in the region with only three points separating the top four teams.
"None of us were under any illusions. We've known for a long time how difficult qualifying is-particularly in this last stage," U.S. goalie Tim Howard said. "It's never easy."
The United States (3-1-2) is seeking a sixth straight World Cup berth. The Americans enter this round in third place in North and Central America and the Caribbean group, tied with Honduras at 10 points but behind in the standings because of goal differential.
Points are precious with only four games remaining and a very slim margin between being in or out of next summer's tournament in South Africa.
The Americans host El Salvador on Saturday, clinging to one of the three guaranteed spots in the region with only three points separating the top four teams.
"None of us were under any illusions. We've known for a long time how difficult qualifying is-particularly in this last stage," U.S. goalie Tim Howard said. "It's never easy."
The United States (3-1-2) is seeking a sixth straight World Cup berth. The Americans enter this round in third place in North and Central America and the Caribbean group, tied with Honduras at 10 points but behind in the standings because of goal differential.