US to field full-strength team for Jamaica

Washington, Sep 21 (IANS/CMC) The United States plans to field a full-strength team to face Jamaica when they meet next month in their CONCACAF World Cup qualifier.

The US has already qualified for the biggest competition in World football while Jamaica is tottering on the brink of elimination from the qualifying phase, reports CMC.

Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann says the US mission is to finish the final qualifying phase on a high by beating Jamaica and Panama, their final opponents.

"Definitely for our last two qualifiers against Jamaica and Panama, our approach is six points," Klinsman told ussoccer.com.

"We want to win these two games badly, and we are going to bring in the best players."

Earlier this month, US defeated Mexico to secure a World Cup place and top spot in the six team group with 16 points, 12 more than cellar dwellers Jamaica.

Costa Rica, with 15, also qualified.

The USA-Jamaica match takes place at Livestrong Park, Missouri, Oct 11.

"We are going to bring in everyone that is available and finish this qualifying campaign on the highest note possible," said the former German World Cup player, adding that American fans deserve no less.

Honduras, 11, and Mexico and Panama, both on eight, round out competition for the third and last automatic World Cup spot.

Jamaica however can only hope for fourth place, which earns a play-off against New Zealand for another place in Brazil.

--IANS/CMC

sr/vm