Gold Cup 2013: Players to Watch in USA vs. El Salvador

After the United States defeated Costa Rica on Tuesday, Jurgen Klinsmann's men will face El Salvador in the knockout stage of the 2013 Gold Cup on Sunday in Baltimore.

The Americans have posted a tournament-high 11 goals so far, while El Salvador has only allowed three scores.

Will El Salvador keep the American offense at bay, or will Landon Donovan and Co. erupt down the stretch?

Here's a look at the players to watch in USA vs. El Salvador.

Landon Donovan, USA

Landon Donovan has predictably come to play in his first stint under Jurgen Klinsmann this year.

The 31-year-old forward has posted a Gold Cup-best three assists in three matches so far, including his beautiful flick across the pitch to Brek Shea in the 82nd minute against Costa Rica that turned out to be the game-winner.

He's also notched two goals on just three shots.

Donovan has probably already proved that he belongs on the first team in fall's slate of World Cup qualifying matches, but you can bet he's not done impressing Klinsmann yet.

Chris Wondolowski, USA

Chris Wondolowski didn't do a whole lot against Costa Rica on Tuesday—which may be a warning sign since it was his first real challenge in the Gold Cup—but you can't exactly ignore the fact that he's scored a Gold Cup-best five goals in three matches.

Wondolowski has been given plenty of chances to prove himself during the tournament, posting a team-high 12 shots in 199 minutes.

Against El Salvador, which has allowed a respectable three goals in three matches so far, you can bet the 30-year-old from California will be given an opportunity to make his mark.

  

Rodolfo Zelaya, El Salvador

Rodolfo Zelaya has notched three goals so far in the Gold Cup, tied for second among all competitors. He scored the game-winner in the pivotal Group B clash against Haiti.

For the tournament, Zelaya has been incredibly active, registering 17 shots in 270 minutes of action. The 25-year-old forward figures to be the greatest threat against the United States defense in the knockout stage.