USA vs Antigua: Live Stream, Start Time, Predictions and More

The friendlies are now done, and the road to Brazil 2014 now begins.

All the hard work that new manager, Jurgen Klinsmann, has put in since his hiring will now take center stage. The USMNT will begin its 2014 World Cup qualifying against lowly Antigua and Barbuda.

While this match will not provide much insight into how the USMNT will do the rest of the qualifying circuit (unless they lose), it is important to World Cup qualifying to get off to a strong start.  If the Americans somehow fall to Antigua, the outlook on the rest of the qualifying tournament is about as bleak as it can get. 

Will the Americans dominate or will they falter against a weak Antigua & Barbuda?

Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

When: Friday, June 8, 7 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN 3

The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings

The United States begin the qualifying stage ranked 28th in the world. USA is coming off a 4-1 drubbing by a young Brazilian squad and a 0-0 draw to Canada. Antigua and Barbuda are currently ranked 105th in the world. Antigua last played in late March in a 1-0 loss to St. Vincent/Grenadines who is currently ranked 146th in the world.  

If the ranking hold true, the United States should be able to coast to a victory and get off on the right foot in their road to the World Cup.

Will the United States Attack Early?

Antigua will likely pack it in around their own goal and just hope that the Americans wont be able to find the back of the net. Klinsmann will have to attack in order to break the heavy defensive front that Antigua will play.

Coming off a 0-0 draw with Canada it will be important for the Americans to see the ball go into the net early. The longer that Antigua can keep the game tied at 0-0, the harder it will become for the Americans to score.

They will need to attack early and often or else they could be in for a long and frustrating night.

United States At Home

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying stage, the United States did not lose at home. They beat Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Honduras, and El Salvador at home to clinch their spot in the 2010 World Cup.

The United States will have to win at home if they want to qualify. With Mexico playing well, the USMNT must win these easier matches at home in order to keep pace.

Prediction: USA wins 5-0

Despite their recent results, the United States will dominate this game against Antigua & Barbuda. They should be able to break Antigua’s defense early and often and should put the game away before the halftime whistle.

Klinsmann understands the importance of these early qualifying matches and will have his squad ready to play. The United States will coast to an easy victory over the 105th ranked team, 5-0.