USA vs. Antigua Live Stream: Online Viewing Info for 2014 World Cup Qualifier

The USA kicks off the semifinals of 2014 World Cup qualifying on Friday when it welcomes Antigua & Barbuda to Raymond James Stadium on Friday.

It's the US's fourth game in the midst of a stretch of five games in 18 days which, thus far, haven't treated the Americans too well. Jurgen Klinsmann's squad has been up and down, posting a dazzling 5-1 win over Scotland in an international friendly on May 26 before bowing down to Neymar and Brazil four days later. On June 3, they played to a draw with Canada, but now, the real work starts.

After Friday's matchup against Antigua & Barbuda, they play their second qualifier against Guatemala on Tuesday, four days later. And now, they're playing to keep their World Cup dreams alive—not just for pride.

Where: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

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

Watch: ESPN, Galavision

Live Stream: ESPN3 

Betting Odds: US is favored 33-1 (via OddsChecker.com)

There's virtually no chance the US is going to lose, not only because of a lowly opponent but also because during 2010 World Cup qualifying, the Americans never lost at home. That makes this matchup even more important—not only do they have to make sure they win at home in order to give themselves the best chance of competing in Brazil 2014, but they absolutely have to take the should-win's.

Key Matchup: USA vs. The Trap Game

At this point, Klinnsman's squad can't be thinking about the games they've lost, the flat manner in which they've played over the last week or the chances they've squandered. All that matters is a win over an inferior opponent on Friday, and if they get that, they're in good shape. 

Of course, that brings with it all kinds of pressure, which the US will have to ignore. This is the Americans' first game that truly matters in almost a year, so it's time to play like it instead of with the uninspired heaviness that has dictated their performances against Canada and Brazil.

Despite Antigua's lowly world ranking (146th), however, the US can't count out its opponent, which breezed through the second round of qualifying with five wins in six games. They averaged five goals per game during that stretch. 

The worst thing the Americans could do for themselves is underestimate this opponent. If they lose this game, they will put immense pressure on themselves to win against better teams in their group, and the last thing they want to do is crumble under the pressure later in qualifying. 

 

Prediction: US 4, Antigua & Barbuda 1

The US hasn't been playing its best lately, but this is a team that's ranked 28th worldwide. Antigua & Barbuda is ranked 146th. This is not a team that is going to pose an immense challenge to the US, so this is the perfect opportunity for the US to right its ship. Maybe the Americans can use this momentum to come out of this tough five-game stretch with a winning record.