Tym Glaser, Associate Editor - Sport

Honduras have their fate in their own hands on Wednesday. - File

JAMAICA FOOTBALL fans will have to do some serious multitasking on Wednesday night.

While their eyes will be focused on the National Stadium pitch where the Reggae Boyz will be battling it out with Canada, their ears will be pricked for any news coming from Honduras where the hosts face Mexico in a game that could well decide Jamaica's fate.

Even if Jamaica win at 'The Office', a draw or Honduran win in San Pedro Sula would most likely eliminate the Boyz from World Cup qualification as they are suffering mightily in the goal difference department.

Giants fallible

A draw would guarantee Mexico's place in the CONCACAF final qualifying group of six but the regional giants have looked fallible this campaign.

An away 1-0 loss to Jamaica and a 2-2 draw in Canada in their last two qualifying games have hardly inspired much joy in El Tri fans and has coach Sven-Goran Eriksson sitting well and truly on the hot seat.

The Mexicans had a final friendly on Wednesday before the Honduras assignment and emerged with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over South American side Ecuador in Arizona - another result which would not have their rabid fans doing cartwheels of joy.

Precariously placed

Mexico have never been so precariously placed so early in World Cup qualifying and Eriksson has conceded the team is not firing on all cylinders.

"We knew it would be difficult, but I also thought we could have settled this in Canada or Jamaica. Now, we have to try and book our ticket against Honduras," the Swede said on a Mexican football website.

"I feel fine. We are close to what we want, the match against Honduras is important for everyone in this country, supporters, players, federation, press. I know what it means but I'm not under pressure," he said.

As with most teams in the region, the Mexicans boast a formidable record against Honduras; winning 16 of their 24 encounters while losing only three.

Previous meetings

Mexican players celebrate their first goal against Jamaica in Mexico City. The hosts won the September clash 3-0.

However, their last four meetings have only been 2-1-1 in favour of Mexico, including a 2-1 scare at Azteca in the first qualifying encounter between the sides this year.

On the other hand, Honduras have done basically what was expected of them this campaign - win at home and try to win or draw on the road.

They have collected all six points up for grabs at home and claimed another priceless three in Canada.

Benfica striker David Suazo is the man Mexico have to keep away from goal range while Wigan's Wilson Palacios and midfielder Ramon Nunez are also legitimate threats within striking distance.

The Mexicans have not gelled in this campaign and their woes have been exacerbated by an injury to livewire Tottenham forward Giovanni Dos Santos and the (un)retirement of Cuauhtemoc Blanco.

However, the Mexicans have nothing if not depth and experience in the likes of Jared Borgetti, Pavel Pardo, Fernando Ruiz Arce, Carlos Salcido and Andres Guardado.

They defeat Canada AND Honduras defeat Mexico AND the combined winning margins of Jamaica and Honduras are greater than seven goals (or equal seven goals and Jamaica finish with more goals scored than Mexico).