US poised to book another ticket to the Finals

MIAMI: United States coach Bruce Arena has challenged his team to finish the job and seal World Cup qualification against Trinidad & Tobago after an emphatic rout of Panama which has transformed American fortunes.

Friday’s exhilarating attacking display against Panama, where Borussia Dortmund star Christian Pulisic excelled in a 4-0 thrashing of Los Canaleros, has left Arena’s side on the brink of a place in next year’s Finals in Russia.

Heading into the final round of games, the US sit third in the standings with 12 points, two points clear of Panama and Honduras, their only rivals for the final automatic qualifying berth from Concacaf.

A win over Trinidad today would guarantee that the US extend a proud record of qualifying for every World Cup since 1990.

And with a sizeable advantage in goal difference of plus five, compared to Panama (-2) and Honduras (-7), a draw at Trinidad’s tiny 10,000-seater Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva will almost certainly be enough.

Nevertheless, Arena has warned his team to be ready for a stern physical challenge against Trinidad, even though the Caribbean nation are already eliminated and have little but pride to play for.

“The game in Trinidad won’t be easy but we are in a good position now,” Arena said. “It will be challenging. We faced challenging conditions in Honduras and Panama so we will be ready. Trinidad are out but will be a handful.

“We are moving along well, our goal difference is better and now we need to finish it off.”

History suggests the US should comfortably achieve qualification today. In 25 meetings between the two sides since 1982, the US have won 18, drawn four and lost on only three occasions. The last of those defeats came nearly a decade ago, in a 2-1 loss in 2008.

More recently, Arena’s side won 2-0 at home in June and also recorded a 4-0 win in an earlier round of qualifying in 2016.

The US will seek to extend that record of dominance with an attack spearheaded by Pulisic and Jozy Altidore, who scored twice against Panama.

“The job’s not done yet,” said Altidore.

“We need a result and we know it’s going to be a tough place to play.”