Mexico, US aim to inch closer to World Cup berth

The stand-out fixture of the sixth round of North, Central American and Caribbean Zone qualifying for Germany 2006 will pit leaders Mexico against a consistently inconsistent Costa Rica side looking to reach their second successive finals after impressing at Korea/Japan 2002.

With a fierce rivalry stretching back to 1935 , neither side will be pulling any punches. The Ticos will no doubt be bolstered by their historic victory at the same Azteca stadium back in 2001, but it was Mexico that most recently rubbed salt in the wounds with a similarly momentous win - a first for El Tri on Costa Rican soil - at the Saprissa stadium in San Jose in February.

Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe, as usual, finds himself facing a storm of criticism from the media and Pumas UNAM coach and El Tri legend Hugo Sanchez. But given the Ticos' poor away form of late, Rafa Marquez's return to the fold and the high-flying Jared Borgetti's decision to put off his debut with his new English club Bolton Wanderers to take part in the old CONCACAF 'clasico', victory seems likely for the Mexicans at their fortress Azteca.

Elsewhere, the United States will be considered heavy favourites when they host Trinidad and Tobago in Hartford, Connecticut. With 'Captain America' Claudio Reyna back to fitness and Brian McBride back in the side, all factors point to a straightforward win for the CONCACAF Gold Cup winners.

But the last time to the two met, in Port of Spain in February, the Americans could only manage a rather uncomfortable 2-1 win. Since then, Bertille St Clair has been replaced by former Real Madrid and Netherlands coach Leo Beenhakker at the T&T helm. Brought in for the express purpose of navigating the tricky waters to Germany 2006, the Dutchman has got the Soca Warriors looking rejuvenated despite a poor performance at the recent Gold Cup.

This round of qualifying will be the sixth match for all six sides, with only four remaining. Mexico are in first place with 13 points, followed by the USA on 12. Costa Rica are in third with seven points while Guatemala and T&T are tied for fourth with four points apiece, Panama are propping up the table with just two. The seventh round of qualifiers is scheduled for 3 September.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: Bodog Sportsbook

World Cup Qualifying Matchup:

USA -635

vs Trinidad and Tobago +1100

DRAW +450

Mexico -400

vs Costa Rica +900

DRAW +350

Prediction: No doubt about it, pick US and Mexico to win their crucial world cup qualifying matches. US will down T&T, 3-0 while Mexico will be too much for Costa Rica, 3-1.

for more 2006 FIFA World Cup Betting Tips, Odds, Picks, Lines and Predictions, click here: European Soccer Betting

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