USA vs Guatemala: Americans Must Improve Upon Latest Efforts

The U.S. is right on track with their World Cup qualifying, but that is in results only. The reality on the pitch is that this team must get better, and they need to do quickly if they want to beat Guatemala on Tuesday, June 12. 

This wouldn't just be a loss either, it would be a giant step back and blow to the Jurgen Klinsmann era.

The Americans have not lost to Guatemala since 1988. 

The U.S. certainly has the talent to win this match—Guatemala is ranked 85th in the world—but they have to look in the mirror and string together a better and more consistent performance. 

In their last match, their first qualifier for the World Cup, the U.S. took down Antigua and Barbuda, 3-1 in Tampa, FL.

At first look, this is a nice result. However, Antigua is ranked 105th, and the U.S. has just a one goal advantage in parts of the second half. This was not just a result either, it was the basis for a disturbing trend as it came on the heels of a bad outing in a friendly against Canada. 

It is time for Klinsmann to prove he can lead this team to improvement.

While they have shown flashes, they are still prone to long stretches of poor play with problems that have plagued this team since Klinsmann has taken over. 

Those problems start with the attack—it is toothless.

The Americans are not aggressive and they do not move well without the ball. They are far too content to sit back and watch those with the ball. 

This attack must become more unified and consequently effective. Otherwise they are in danger of losing to Guatemala, and the Klinsmann era could be a short one.