Posted by:

Big Chaco

| 02:52 AM ET  06.02 | So after these set of games this week, we'll be half-way through CONCACAF. Here's a bit of what's going to happen. Because of the US's participation in the Confederations Cup, the US games have been pushed ahead. So we're delighted to give our full attention to Costa Rica - USA in the Saprissa Stadium. USA has never won in Saprissa. In fact, Costa Rica has the best run in home form in Concacaf. Costa Rica has been playing pragmatic and discipline football. They are not the same Costa Rica team from earlier in the decade, but they have still performed well. I expect a hard-fought game between the two. 2-2 Draw.

Another interesting game will be on Saturday when the Catrachos visit Chicago. Honduras is the last team to beat the US on American soil in qualifying back when a young Carlos Pavon and a fast Milton Nunez ran amok against the Yanks in RFK. This game will depend on Honduras's formation. What has kept Honduras down in the past few games have been playing David Suazo as the lone striker. This does not work! Honduras has found success when playing a second forward to accompany Suazo such as Carlos Costly. With two men up top, it provides playmakers such as Amado Guevara and Ramon Nunez more options to create plays. It would be fun to see a duel between young playmakers Ramon Nunez (Puebla/Hond) and El Gringo Torres (Pachuca/USA). These two midfielders have been playing great ball for their clubs in the Mexican league. If the US comes out with at least 4 points from these two games, qualifying is all but sealed.

The old-school David vs. Goliath rivalry of Concacaf returns as Mexico visits El Salvador. Mexico hasn't visited Cuscatlan in 12 years and many of their players don't know what its like to play there. Mexico absolutely hates playing there. This rivalry, albeit lopsided, stems from the 1970 World Cup group game between the two. .Cuscatlan Stadium provides the most hostile reception when the Aztecas come to play. No place in Latin America can match the intensity that will be seen on Saturday night. This game will feature the return of Blanco and Vasco Aguirre to el Tri. El Salvador will try to get the 3 points they need if they have hopes of South Africa. Fitness was a big issue in the last round, will they last the whole 90? A lot on the table for this game.

Trinidad&Tobago fired their coach after the last set of games so now the Soca Warriors are more of a mystery again. They play a confident Costa Rica side who will not take them lightly. But if there will be a surprise in this round, it will be in the T&T--Costa Rica game. I expect the Soca Warriors to stun the Ticos and get a much-needed three points.

This is just a tid-bit before I do the halfway analysis after next week. Enjoy the games!