Almost everything seems to favour Mexico for today's critical World Cup qualifier against the United States.

The 2,250-metre (7,400 feet) altitude always leaves visiting teams gasping for air, particularly in the second half. Then there's 105,000-seat Estadio Azteca, a cauldron of searing noise that makes it one of the world's most intimidating venues. Now add in Mexico's dominating record against the US, the air pollution and the afternoon start.

"We have to take advantage of all those factors," said Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico's talented 'keeper. "We have to keep in mind we have 90 minutes to win, whether it's 1-0 or 5-0."

The US national team has never won a game in Mexico dating from 1937. In 23 games, the US has lost 22 and a drawn one.

Mexico also has all the pressure.

Struggling to qualify

El Tri are struggling to qualify for next year's 32-team tournament in South Africa, while the US are comfortably placed. A 5-0 victory over a US 'B' team late last month in the Gold Cup final in Giants Stadium has lessened some of the pressure. But it has also raised expectations.

"We have this chance in our own hands to make up for what has happened in earlier qualifying games," Ochoa said.

Midway through qualifying, Costa Rica lead the Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean Associations of Football (CONCACAF) qualifying with 12 points, followed by the United States (10), Honduras (7), Mexico (6), El Salvador (5) and Trinidad and Tobago (2).

The top three advance automatically to South Africa. No. 4 faces a play-off with No. 5 from South America for another berth.

In today's other qualifiers, Trinidad are home against El Salvador and Honduras host Costa Rica.

Asked how it would feel to be the first American team to win in Mexico, US 'keeper Tim Howard replied: "That would be special. No question. We know the history. We're well aware of it, which makes the challenge that much more special. ... If the result went our way, that would be a great thing."