US ready to take on Mexico in qualifier

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MEXICO CITY — The United States and Mexico meet in a World Cup qualifier today, and both teams could use a boost.

MEXICO CITY — The United States and Mexico meet in a World Cup qualifier today, and both teams could use a boost.

In this final stage of CONCACAF qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Brazil, only three teams out of six will lock up a berth, with the fourth team landing in a playoff game against Oceania.

Right now, Mexico is tied for third and needs a win after disappointing draws with Honduras on Friday and Jamaica in February.

“We need to work on everything, the technical, tactical and mental elements,” said Mexico’s coach, Jose Manuel de la Torre. “We can’t leave anything out.”

The U.S. lost its opener to Honduras in February. It moved into second place after beating Costa Rica 1-0 in the middle of a snowstorm last week, though FIFA is studying a protest from the Costa Rica soccer federation.