Mexico vs Jamaica: Key Questions Heading into World Cup Qualifier

Mexico finds itself in a must-win situation against Jamaica on Tuesday night as it tries to take the next step in its 2014 World Cup campaign. 

El Tri has yet to earn a victory in 2013 but still stands just one win away from grabbing first place in the Hex. With just three points in qualifying thus far, a loss could put an intercontinental playoff against New Zealand on the horizon. 

Jamaica is currently in last place with just two point in the fourth round of CONCACAF qualifying. The Reggae Boyz will need to be at their absolute best to pull off the upset. They will have the advantage of playing at home and the confidence that comes with already playing El Tri to a draw in February. 

Here's a look at the key questions that will shape this match as both squads look to pick up a pivotal win. 

Will Someone Other Than Javier Hernandez Step Up for El Tri?

Mexico has played tremendous defense throughout qualifying thus far. With four shutouts in five CONCACAF matchups, it has no issue with keeping opponents off the scoreboard. The issue has been mustering its own offense. 

El Tri has battled to a draw in their last three qualifying matches, including 0-0 scores against the United States on May 26 and Jamaica in February. The lack of offense has been the primary reason the team has had to settle. 

However, Mexico saw a ray of hope in the goal-scoring department thanks to Javier Hernandez. In its May 31 friendly against Nigeria, "Chicarito" netted two goals and provided all of the offense in their 2-2 draw. 

As Paul Carr of ESPN points out, Mexico has relied heavily on Hernandez.

Hernandez is a phenomenal scorer who should be counted on in big moments, but El Tri must find other offensive options in order to have success both in this game and the World Cup. A matchup against Jamaica is as good a time as any for other players to contribute on offense. 

Can Jamaica Find the Net?

The Reggae Boyz haven't had the best qualifying round. They've managed just two points and haven't earned a victory this year. 

Overall, the elite talent isn't there for Jamaica to compete for long stretches, but its draw last time out against El Tri flashes the potential to hang in there against a much better team. The problem is, unlike Mexico, there's no Javier Hernandez to create offense for them. 

Jamaica has just one goal in its three previous matches this round. 

El Tri dominated the time of possession in their first match. They had control of the ball 72 percent of the time and generated 21 shots. If Jamaica wants to pull off the upset, it'll have to find a way to capitalize on the few opportunities it finds. 

The Reggae Boyz mustered just six shots in their first meeting with El Tri. This time they must be more aggressive in front of the home crowd and find someone that can step up and score if they want to win. 

Will Mexico Respond in Do-or-Die Situation?

It's hard to believe, but this really is a must-win situation for Mexico. Most thought they would be a formidable threat coming out of the Hex, but the team's back is against the wall here.

A win would place them right back at the top of the table and in the driver's seat; a loss and it's possible they'll miss the World Cup entirely. Meanwhile, Jamaica is already in last place and free to be aggressive in front of their home crowd. 

Picking up the win won't be easy. According to ESPN's Power Index projection model, Mexico holds just a 32 percent chance to win in Kingston. 

Jamaica may not be an elite team, but Mexico has its work cut out for it. It can either show that it's ready to contend in Rio or put itself in a tough situation. Whether or not Hernandez and Co. can respond by playing up to their ability is the biggest question surrounding this matchup.