US looks to beat Cuba in crunch World Cup clash

The United States will try to secure a berth in next year's North American regional qualifying tournament for World Cup 2010 in South Africa by defeating political foe Cuba here Saturday.

The intense rivalry highlights a night of CONCACAF matches that could see four other nations clinch berths in next year's six-team qualifier that decides which teams advance to the historic global football showdown in Africa.

The top two teams in each of the three groups advance to the final phase next year, which determines three teams for the finals in South Africa while the fourth-place finisher plays off for a berth against a South American team.

The Americans, off to a 3-0 start to pace Group 1, own a 6-1-1 record against Cuba, the most recent victory a 1-0 triumph at Havana on September 6 when Clint Dempsey netted the lone US goal.

Americans had not played in Cuba since 1947 and while the rematch is not as historic – Cuba having played in continental events on US soil several times in that span – it still has overtones and implications far beyond the pitch.

“We're not unaware of the political aspect,” US Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati said.

The US team has blanked six opponents in a row, not surrendering a goal since Spain's Xavi Hernandez struck in the 79th minute of a 1-0 victory over the Americans on June 4.

Mexico and Honduras also can clinch berths in the next round with triumphs on Saturday in Group 2.

Sven Goran-Eriksson's Mexican squad, with three victories in as many qualifying matches, will advance with a victory at Jamaica. Honduras can also advance with a home triumph over winless Canada and a Jamaican loss or draw.

Costa Rica and El Salvador are in the same situation in Group 3, the unbeaten Costa Ricans needing only a victory Saturday at winless Suriname to advance.

If Costa Rica wins, the Salvadorans would clinch a berth in the next round by winning at Haiti.

The other spot at stake is from Group 1, where Guatemala and Trinidad and Tobago are level on four points after three matches, the Guatemalans owning an edge of three goals on goal differential ahead of their Saturday match in Guatemala City. Guatemala drew 1-1 at Port-of-Spain earlier.

Unless there is another draw between Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala, the Cubans would be eliminated with a loss in the US capital.

“Cuba is not eliminated,” Cuban coach Reinhold Fanz insisted. “If we are able to take a point in our visit to the United States and Guatemala and Trinidad draw again, there are many possibilities to advance.”