SOCCER: Cup qualifying begins for United States at home

The fun stuff is over. Now, it's time to get serious.

There are six teams in CONCACAF qualifying and only three get to go the 2002 World Cup. For three tournaments in a row, the United States has been one of those teams.

This year will be different, though. This will undoubtedly be the toughest trip the U.S. has to make it to Korea/Japan, the co-hosts. Each of the five other teams has a strong case for advancing.

So home games, precious in world soccer, are double that. They are worth their weight in gold. And for the U.S., winning its first game, at home against Mexico on Wednesday in Columbus, is imperative.

How imperative? It wouldn't be too much of a stretch to say that if the U.S. does not win, they might not have a shot at qualifying — even though there would be nine games left. It's that big.

With that in mind, coach Bruce Arena has called in one of the strongest squads in recent U.S. history, perhaps the strongest ever. There is not one person in the 24 called to camp that would not have a case to play.

But only 11 will start and the bench will be limited to 18. So, from this viewpoint, is how the Americans will line up against Mexico.

•Goalie: Choose one from Brad Friedel, Tony Meola and Zach Thornton.

The choice: Friedel. Goalie is a strength of the U.S., noted by the fact that regular starter Kasey Keller is not even on the squad. Friedel has been strong for his club in England, Blackburn Rovers, of late and has big-game experience that should make him fit right into the atmosphere.

• Defense: Choose four from Jeff Agoos, Gregg Berhalter, Carlos Llamosa, Eddie Pope, David Regis, Tony Sanneh and Greg Vanney.

The choices: Regis, Llamosa, Pope and Sanneh. Regis has been in sparkling form for Metz of France, although Agoos could actually be the choice should the U.S. want more of an attack-minded defender on the left side.

In the middle, Llamosa and Pope should be the automatic choices for their ability to work together. Llamosa will be in charge of marking Luis Hernandez and don't be suprised if he starts that task during pregame.

On the right side, Sanneh is the best bet for his ability to turn defense into offense. Arena could also go with Regis on the left, Agoos and Llamosa in the middle and move Pope out to the right side, although this would not have the offensive balance the other quartet could provide.

• Midfielders: Choose four from Chris Armas, Cobi Jones, Chris Klein, Clint Mathis, Ben Olsen, Claudio Reyna, Earnie Stewart and Richie Williams.

The choices: Armas, Olsen, Reyna and Stewart. This lineup, actually, is a little overreliant on the right side as there is no true left-sided player here. But that's been a problem the U.S. has dealt with for a while.

Armas is an automatic choice as defensive midfielder, although he has shown the ability to push up into attack when needed. Olsen has grown leaps and bounds since moving to Nottingham Forest of England and has learned from the increased intensity. The cold weather of Columbus, also, will have not a bit of difference for him.

Reyna will be counted on as the playmaker, a role in which he has flourished but also disappeared in at times. Stewart will provide support and could be counted on to make runs through the back four to work with Reyna.

Forward: Choose two from DaMarcus Beasley, Landon Donovan, Brian McBride, Joe-Max Moore, Ante Razov and Josh Wolff.

The choices: McBride and Moore. The pair work well together, although Donovan could be a wild card pick. McBride will be counted on to win any aerial balls while Moore's work rate is tireless.

Game plan: The U.S. must attack, but not without giving caution to the wind. Mexico will be looking to get an early goal and then set back with eleven in the box, content for a 1-0 bore.

So the key for the Americans will be to hold possession early and keep what should be a raucous U.S. crowd in the game. A quick attack or two will get the crowd on its feet.

If tested, Friedel has shown the ability to get a quick throw down the field and start a U.S. counter. Olsen must show down the wings and provide a presence crossing the ball. Stewart, who sometimes wanders on the field, must make his runs with a purpose.

Sanneh and Regis will need to push up and provide offensive support without giving up its defensive responsibilities. And Llamosa must shut down Hernandez.

The crowd and the conditions will play heavily. The U.S. Soccer Federation has done well in picking a cold city for the game in Columbus, along with a partisan American crowd.

Columbus last hosted the U.S.-Costa Rica game in October, a scoreless draw played without Reyna or Arena. This time, a scoreless draw will not suffice. Prediction: 2-1 U.S. with goals from McBride off a Moore assist and Donovan, coming in as a late sub, making a run through the tiring Mexican defense in the last ten minutes.