It is time for the United States' first major test of the Jurgen Klinsmann era. Sure, they played some better teams than Guatemala - some much, much better teams - but this is the first time they have played someone mildly respectable in a match that matters. This is a World Cup qualifier and a road one at that, the first time that the team will go on the road in a qualifier under Klinsmann.
Guatemala Vs. USA, 2014 World Cup Qualifying Preview: Game Time, TV Schedule And More
This a massive match for the U.S. in their quest to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. The Americans did pick up three points against Antigua and Barbuda, but if they lost to Guatemala then they are putting a lot of pressure on themselves to beat Jamaica at home and get a result on the road. Those are two results they should get, but they don’t want to have to get them. If they lose to Guatemala then they will have to get them or risk not making the final round of qualifying for the World Cup.
Unfortunately for U.S. fans, many will not get to watch this match. Per CONCACAF rules, the home country holds the TV rights for the match and Guatemala sold the rights to a company that will show it on pay-per view only in the U.S. Unless you live near a bar that was willing to pay the $750 to purchase the match or you want to pay $30 to watch it at home, you are out of luck.
Whether people at home are watching or not, the U.S. needs a good result. That means a full three points, by any score, any way.
Guatemala vs. United States
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, June 12, 10:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Mateo Flores, Guatemala City, Guatemala
TV: Pay-per view (List of bars showing the match)
Check out our Guatemala vs. USA StoryStream for all of your preview, live and post-match coverage. For more on this match and the entire world of soccer, follow @SBNationSoccer on Twitter.
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