Mexico vs. USA: Date, Time, Live Stream and TV Info for 2014 World Cup Qualifier

If either the United States or Mexico thought CONCACAF hexagonal qualifying for a spot in next year's World Cup would be a breeze, it didn't take long to discover otherwise. The region's top-two sides face a lot of hurdles on the road to Brazil.

One is the variable climates. On Friday, the United States played in a Colorado snowstorm and was able to survive the conditions to earn a key 1-0 victory over Costa Rica. Now the Americans travel to Mexico City, where Tuesday's forecast high is 74 degrees (via CNN weather).

El Tri will be fuming. They let a late lead slip away against Honduras, which turned three points into one and left Mexico in fourth place after two matches. It decreased the margin for error the Mexicans have over the final eight games.

It should be another memorable encounter between the rivals. Let's check out all the key viewing information for the match, followed by some players to watch and a prediction for the crucial qualifier.

Where: Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico

When: Tuesday, March 26 at 10:30 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN and Univision

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

Mexico Player to Watch: Javier Hernandez

Hernandez continued his torrid scoring pace for Mexico, finding the net twice against Honduras to give his side a 2-0 edge. Even though the Catrachos eventually fought back to earn the draw, it was still an impressive showing from the Manchester United star.

He's now scored 30 goals in 45 appearances for the national team. His ability to attract so much attention from the opposing defenders is a major advantage for El Tri and, as he showed on Friday, he can still create chances even when he's the main focus defensively.

Hernandez must be aggressive against the United States, which is working with a patchwork defense that wasn't fully tested by Costa Rica due to the snow. He should be able to find plenty of space to operate in the attacking third.

As long as he puts constant pressure on a back line that only features one player with more than 13 matches of international experience, he should find the score sheet again.

United States Player to Watch: Clint Dempsey

Dempsey was the only player to beat the snowflakes to score on Friday. He picked up a loose ball after a deflected shot from Jozy Altidore and easily deposited it to give the United States a lead it would hold. It was his 32nd national team tally.

As Landon Donovan continues to recharge away from the sport, Dempsey has been forced to assume a much larger role atop the American attack. He's handled it well, providing the finishing touch the team has sorely needed.

Mexico figures to control possession on home soil, which means the American probably won't have more than a handful of good scoring chances throughout the match. It's up to Dempsey to make sure they convert enough to earn at least a point.

It's a task that's easier said than done, of course. El Tri have dominated the rivalry matches played in Mexico, but the Americans did pick up a victory in a friendly last year to provide a confidence boost.

Matchup to Watch: Mexican attack vs. American back line and Brad Guzan

The tough playing conditions worked to the United States' favor against Costa Rica. Since the nation is working with an inexperienced back line, missing stalwart defenders Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundolo among others, it was an advantage not having to deal with typical counterattacks.

Clarence Goodson and company won't be as lucky on Tuesday. The weather should be far more suited for play, and that's going to put a lot of pressure on the defense to step up. It doesn't help that it's facing CONCACAF's most dangerous attack.

Aside from the dynamic "Chicharito," Mexico also features Giovani dos Santos and Andres Guardado. Veteran Omar Bravo is also capable of making his presence felt, likely off the bench. It's a tall task for the back line the United States will be sending out there.

It should be another tightly-contested match between the two sides, but Mexico should have enough firepower to earn all three points.

Prediction

Mexico 2, United States 1