Pair of heavyweights tough to bring down

The realities of regional World Cup qualifying are about to become clear. Since July 4, 1988 -- when the 1994 World Cup was awarded to the US -- forces were set in motion to ensure that North America's largest countries would be involved in future finals. Mexico had become an integral part of the FIFA power structure, and the '94 finals would boost the US commitment to soccer.

Since 1990, the US has played in four World Cup finals, Mexico in three. The only other teams from the region to qualify have been Costa Rica (1990, 2002) and Jamaica ('98).

And the current qualifying tournament is following form.

''The US and Mexico practically have their places," said Guatemala coach Ramon Maradiaga. ''The rest of us are now playing a quadrangular."

Mexico (13 points) and the US (12) appear to be on their way to Germany '06. Costa Rica (7), Guatemala (4), Trinidad & Tobago (4), and Panama (2) are virtually playing for two spots. Third place guarantees a berth in the finals and fourth-place advances to a playoff against Asia's No. 5 (Bahrain, Kuwait, or Uzbekistan).

Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimaraes has stated that 15 points in the 10-game qualifying tournament will ensure at least a third-place finish. If so, Mexico and the US could be on their way to Germany with victories in their sixth games tomorrow. Mexico plays host to Costa Rica and the US meets Trinidad & Tobago at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn.

Americans regroup

Tomorrow's match will mark the return of Claudio Reyna to the US team. Reyna, 32, has played only once for the US this year (a 2-1 loss to Mexico); coach Bruce Arena allowed him to recover from injury in New Jersey, then return to action for Manchester City. Reyna got off to a solid start in the Premier League season in Man City's 0-0 tie with West Brom Albion Saturday.

The US regrouped in the Hartford area Sunday with 18 players. DaMarcus Beasley (hamstring) was declared out and Oguchi Onjewu was to arrive yesterday from Belgium, where he plays with Standard Liege. But the lack of preparation time should not greatly affect the US, which spent most of July involved with the Gold Cup, winning the tournament on penalty kicks against Panama.

Though the US struggled at Mexico (2-1 loss) in March, against England (2-1 loss) in Chicago in May, and against Panama (0-0) at Giants Stadium, the team has produced when necessary. And the Gold Cup also served as a return to the national team for John O'Brien (ADO Den Haagen), plus provided experience for younger players such as the Revolution's Clint Dempsey and Pat Noonan.

Arena will be pragmatic for this match. The experiments and tests concluded during the Gold Cup.

Gold Cup absentees Eddie Lewis, Brian McBride, and Reyna will be keys to the attack. Donovan will pair with McBride at forward and O'Brien will support Reyna in midfield. The Revolution's Steve Ralston returns to the right wing after missing the Gold Cup with a concussion, his absence exposing the US' lack of outside midfielders.

The US could mathematically clinch a top three finish by Sept. 3 (against Mexico in Columbus), and Arena could again go with younger players, as he did toward the end of first-round qualifying last year.

Trinidad & Tobago has been boosted by Port Vale's Chris Burchill, a 21-year-old born in England and nationalized because his mother is a Trinidad native. Burchill scored one of the most spectacular goals of the Gold Cup tournament against Honduras and has helped solidify the Soca Warriors' midfield.

There was speculation that Burchill and Revolution defender Avery John would miss this game, since they were on the Gold Cup suspension list for receiving two cautions. But CONCACAF officials said only players who have been red-carded would be suspended.

Mexico is motivated

Costa Rica is a long shot to repeat its July 16, 2001, upset win over Mexico (2-1) in Estadio Azteca. Defender Gilberto Martinez and forward Paulo Cesar Wanchope return to the Costa Rica lineup. But the Mexicans have renewed motivation because of that loss to the Ticos, and have already defeated Costa Rica in San Jose. Guatemala has lost three consecutive games but could regroup against visiting Panama. The Chapines' fate will likely be determined by the result of a Sept. 3 visit to Trinidad & Tobago. Panama, which includes Ricardo Phillips, the newest Revolution signing, is winless in this round of qualifying (0-2-1 at home) but gained momentum with two victories over Colombia and a runner-up finish in the Gold Cup.