World Cup Qialifiers: United States test for Guatemala

Clint Dempsey, back in US coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad for Friday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier in Guatemala City, is eager for the challenge.

The 33-year-old former Tottenham and Fulham striker missed the United States’ first two matches in the fourth round of qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

But with Klinsmann eyeing full points from back-to-back matches against Guatemala — on Friday and at home in Columbus, Ohio, next week — Dempsey is hoping to contribute. A 6-1 victory over St. Vincent and the Grenadines and goalless draw with Trinidad and Tobago last November mean the US team could clinch a spot in the North American hexagonal qualifying finals with a Guatemala sweep.

“Our goal definitely for the two Guatemala fixtures is six points,” Klinsmann said.

Like the United States, Trinidad and Tobago have four points through two Group C matches. Trinidad will try to build on that total when they visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday.

In other matches, Canada host regional powerhouse Mexico, the 2015 Gold Cup winners who top Group A with two wins in two matches.

Elsewhere in Group A, El Salvador host Honduras, while in Group B Jamaica host group leaders Costa Rica and Haiti are at home to Panama.