USA vs. Honduras: Viewing Info and Preview for 2013 Gold Cup Semifinal Clash

The United States stands one win away from its fifth consecutive appearance in the Gold Cup final. Honduras, which has reached the semifinals in three straight editions of the CONCACAF tournament, stands in the Americans' way.

After cruising through the early stages of the tournament, the United States should expect a far tougher challenge from the defensive-minded Catrachos. Another attacking outburst to the tune of five or six goals would be a surprise.

It's an important match for several members of the so-called "B" team as they look to make a statement before the next set of World Cup qualifiers. Knowing that, let's check out the semifinal viewing information, followed by a preview and prediction.

Where: Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas

When: Wednesday, July 24, at 7 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox Soccer Channel

Live Stream: Fox Soccer 2Go

Preview

The biggest story of the tournament from the United States' perspective has been the revitalized attack. Led by Landon Donovan and Chris Wondolowski, the Americans have netted 16 goals in four matches, including five in the quarterfinal triumph over El Salvador.

While the level of competition obviously isn't on a World Cup level—or even a qualifying level, for that matter, as other sides like Mexico are also using weaker squads—it's still been an impressive showing. The pace and aggression are exactly what fans have been waiting for.

The attacking group will be put to the test by Honduras, though. The Catrachos have kept three clean sheets in four matches. Against the more talented Americans, they are likely to rely completely on strong play at the back and counterattacks.

Even though the style of play from an opponent won't come as a surprise to the U.S., none of the other teams in the tournament have done it as well as Honduras. It will take a concerted, patient effort for Donovan to break down the defensive wall.

Along with Donovan, the onus will be on players like Jose Francisco Torres, Mix Diskerud and Stuart Holden to use their playmaking skills to help create chances. Joe Corona is another player enjoying a strong run of form who will need to provide a finishing touch in the final third.

The United States can't be comfortable with simply winning the possession battle. The squad must continue to push forward and put pressure on the Honduras back line. If it can do that for a majority of the match, a breakthrough will eventually come.

For Honduras, it all starts with making sure the dangerous American attack isn't able to make those inroads in the final third. Its best offensive chances will come when the U.S. pushes extra numbers forward and is exposed at the back.

The Catrachos are unlikely to create a ton of chances, so the ones they do get must be converted. It provides an opportunity for one of the squad's rising stars, like Andy Najar or Mario Martinez, to steal the spotlight in a potential upset.

Ultimately, the United States must be prepared for a tricky semifinal challenge. Unlike the earlier matches, the Americans will meet resistance in the final third throughout. That said, they should be able to do enough to advance.

Prediction: United States 2, Honduras 1