USA, Panama set to fight for World Cup berth

miami — The United States face their most important World Cup qualifying game in nearly 30 years on Friday when they take on a Panama side thirsting for revenge and chasing a historic first ever appearance at the finals.

Twenty-eight years ago, the Americans defeated Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 to book their place at the 1990 World Cup — the country’s first appearance at football’s biggest tournament since 1950.

Since then, the US have qualified for every edition of the World Cup, a record of achievement that reflects the steady development of the world’s most popular sport in a country which for so long remained impervious to its charms.

Yet American hopes of appearing at an eighth consecutive World Cup at next year’s finals in Russia are in jeopardy as Bruce Arena’s side prepare to face Panama in Orlando on Friday.

A stuttering campaign in the six-team final round of qualifying for North America, Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) has left the United States in fourth place with two games remaining, outside the top three automatic qualifying places.

Panama, who have never qualified for the World Cup, sit in third place, one point ahead of the United States.

It means that Arena’s side must take maximum points from Friday’s game to keep their qualification destiny in their own hands. Victory, followed by an away win against Trinidad & Tobago next Tuesday, would guarantee automatic qualification for the Americans and a ticket to Russia. Any other result in Orlando, and the picture becomes complicated, with a fourthplaced finish raising the possibility of a two-leg playoff against either Syria or Australia.

Panama, who drew 1-1 with the US in Panama City in March, will likely qualify for Russia if they win in Florida on Friday.

A draw would also work in Panama’s favour, leaving them needing only to beat Costa Rica next Tuesday.

In other CONCACAF games on Friday, already-qualified Mexico face Trinidad & Tobago at home. Second-placed Costa Rica meanwhile can clinch their qualification with at least a draw at home to fifth-placed Honduras. — AFP