Summary Mexico is tied for third and needs a win after disappointing draws with Honduras.
MEXICO CITY (AP) - The United States and Mexico meet in a World Cup qualifier Tuesday and both teams could use a boost.
In this final stage of CONCACAF qualifying for next year s World Cup in Brazil, only three teams out of six will lock up a berth, with the fourth team landing in a playoff game against the Oceania winner.
Right now, Mexico is tied for third and needs a win after disappointing draws with Honduras on Friday and Jamaica in February.
"We need to work on everything, the technical, tactical and mental elements," said Mexico s coach, Jose Manuel de la Torre. "We can t leave anything out."
The U.S. lost its opener to Honduras in February. It moved into second place after beating Costa Rica 1-0 in the middle of a snowstorm last week, though FIFA is studying a protest from the Costa Rica soccer federation that says the "physical integrity" of players was affected by playing in the snowstorm in Commerce City, Colorado, and wants a replay.
U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsman said Monday that the Americans respect Mexico and that makes it "one of those games you are hungry for. It s an awesome opportunity, and we want to embrace the moment and give them a real game, to battle them."
The game is at the intimidating Azteca Stadium, where the Americans have only beaten Mexico once in a friendly last August.
A U.S. victory would mark the first time Mexico lost at home in a World Cup qualifier since a 2002 match against Costa Rica. Both teams still are the favorites to get the three spots. Neither has missed a World Cup in two decades.
"We have the best two teams in CONCACAF battling each other. We have respect for them and they have it for us," Klinsman said.
