RIO DE JANEIRO, (Reuters):
COSTA RICA will qualify for their second successive World Cup tomorrow if they draw at home to a weakened United States team or if Guatemala fail to win in Mexico.
The US and Mexico have already taken two of the three direct places allocated to the CONCACAF region while Costa Rica, who are third with 13 points from eight games, have a five-point advantage over Guatemala, who are fourth.
US coach Bruce Arena has decided to rest eight of his regulars for the trip to San Jose - Kasey Keller, Claudio Reyna, Brian McBride, Steve Ralston, Frankie Hedjuk, Gregg Berhalter, Chris Armas and Landon Donovan - preferring to try out some younger home-based players instead.
But Costa Rica's Brazilian-born coach Alexandre Guimaraes is taking nothing for granted.
"The match could be more difficult that if it were against the regulars, because they know that they are playing for a place in the World Cup team," said Guimaraes, who returned to the helm this year after leading his adopted country to the 2002 World Cup.
"They're very strong in midfield," he added.
FULL STRENGTH
The Central Americans are at full strength with Qatar-based Paulo Wanchope and Alvaro Saborio expected to spearhead the attack.
Meanwhile, Guatemala appear to be battling with Trinidad & Tobago, who are one point behind them in fifth spot, for the right to play either Bahrain or Uzbekistan over two legs for another place at the World Cup.
None of the quartet have qualified before.
Mexico have rested several regulars, including striker Jared Borgetti, captain Pavel Pardo and Brazilian-born Antonio Naelson, for Guatemala's visit to San Luis.
On the other hand, coach Ricardo La Volpe has controversially called up Argentine-born striker Guillermo Franco for what would be a first cap.
Guatemala have recognised that they must improve their defending if they are to have a chance of taking at least a point from their trip.
"We have to avoid making mistakes and stay concentrated," said defender Gustavo Cabrera.
Trinidad & Tobago could pull level on points with Costa Rica by winning their last two games but would still lose out on their head-to-head record. They visit Panama to face a team which has picked up only two points from eight games.
Trinidad, however, have a tougher last match when they host Mexico while Guatemala are at home to Costa Rica in their final outing.
