With six points, the United States (2-1-0, 6 points) is second in the qualifying standings behind Mexico (2-0-1, 7 pts). Guatemala (1-1-1, 4 pts) and Costa Rica (1-1-1, 4 pts) are tied for third, followed by Panama (0-2-1, 2 pts) and Trinidad & Tobago (0-1-2).

A win for the United States would put it nearly five points clear of the fourth-place team, giving it a little breathing room heading into the latter stages of qualifying. A Costa Rica win, however, would vault the Ticos past the United States in the standings.

For region heavyweights, the opening stage of qualifying is often a mere formality.

In all, 34 teams divided into 12 groups began the qualification process with eyes on the World Cup. For the United States, it began on June 13, 2004 with a 3-0 victory in the first leg of a home-and-home series with Grenada. In the second leg, the U.S. won 3-2 to move on to Stage 2.

Costa Rica barely eked into the second stage after a pair of ties with Cuba, but it owned the first tiebreaker which is always away goals scored.

The 12 Stage 1 group winners were divided into three groups of four teams, with each team playing the other teams in its group twice. In a pairing that included Panama, Jamaica and El Salvador, the United States easily finished in the top two with a 3-3-0 record to advance to the final stage.

Following Saturday's game with Costa Rica, the United States will quickly travel to Panama City, Panama, for a Wednesday night qualifier.

ENDLINES: Tickets are still available for Saturday's qualifier, which begins at 5:30 p.m., and will be followed by Real Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas at 8 p.m. For tickets, log onto www.utahtickets.com or call 801-581-UTIX. U.S. Soccer always encourages fans to wear red.

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E-mail: jedward@desnews.com