AMERICANS’ CHANCES OF QUALIFYING DIMMING BUT NOT DEAD

History gives mixed messages on what the U.S. men’s soccer team should expect in Honduras on Tuesday as it battles to save itself from the embarrassment of missing the 2018 World Cup.

Having beaten Honduras 6-0 in a World Cup qualifying home match in March, the team could be forgiven for being highly confident as it heads to San Pedro Sula for its eighth game out of 10 in the final qualifying phase.

However, facing Central American opposition on the road is a different proposition, as the USA discovered in 2013, losing 2-1 in the first game of an ultimately successful campaign.

What follows is a look at what the different outcomes would mean for coach Bruce Arena and his men as things get tense on the road to Russia. The U.S. team closes out its campaign by facing Panama at home Oct. 6 and Trinidad and Tobago on the road four days later.

CONCACAF’s top three qualifiers reach the World Cup, with the fourth-place team going into a playoff against an Asian team. Mexico has clinched a spot, and Costa Rica is close with 14 points. The USA and Honduras each have eight points, Panama seven and Trinidad and Tobago three.

WITH A WIN TUESDAY, THE AMERICANS WOULD ...

Control their destiny, needing two wins or a win and a tie in the final two games to qualify for the World Cup. Guarantee at least a playoff spot by following up with a victory against Panama, regardless of goal differential.

WITH A TIE, THE AMERICANS WOULD ...

Control their destiny, needing two wins to qualify for the World Cup.

Be in danger of finishing fifth and missing the playoff vs. an Asian team. That’s the scenario they face should Panama beat Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday and then the USA in October.

WITH A LOSS, THE AMERICANS WOULD ...

Guarantee at least a fourthplace finish and a playoff spot with victories in its final two games.

Be eliminated from the World Cup by following up with a defeat to Panama, if Honduras claimed at least one point from its final two games.