U.S Crucial World Cup Qualifying Game v.s Honduras Today

The U.S Men's national team is playing Honduras today (2:36 PST) in their World Cup Qualifiers. Both team are currently tied on points fighting for 3rd (the last automatic qualifying spot) for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. This game is a huge deal for both teams, as the winner essentially will take a huge advantage in trying to qualify for next year's World Cup.

The U.S were initially heavy favorites to be one of the qualifying teams from the CONCACAF region, but last week's loss to Costa Rica put a huge dent into their credentials. This loss was off the back of an impressive 14 game unbeaten run (9W 5D) and it complicates their qualifying hopes. A win against Honduras today would almost guarantee qualification as their remaining games are against vastly inferior opponents (in terms of world rankings.) A loss however, would mean that Honduras takes prime position and would ultimately get to decide their own fate.

On paper, the U.S boasts a pretty impressive squad, with multiple players having played in Europe's premier leagues. The U.S will especially be hoping for a top performance from one of the hottest youth prospects in Europe: Christian Pulisic who plays for Germany's Borussia Dortmund. Costa Rica was able to keep the young American quiet by playing rough on him, and Honduras will likely look to do the same.

Honduras, meanwhile, can be dangerous as they have a couple experienced players and some young players who apply their trade in the MLS.

The game will turn out to be exciting due to the sheer importance of the game in terms of qualifying for next year's World Cup.