The match that concludes the U.S. national team's annual January camp is typically an opportunity for manager Jurgen Klinsmann to focus on the future. The group is usually comprised of B-teamers looking to worm their way into the top tier of players. The opportunity to shine under the German's watchful eye is one that can't be missed, even if the payoff is further down the line.

-America's next top Messi
-Is Junior Flores the best hope for the U.S.?
-Top 10 players under 21
-How to turn pro
-SN Vote: Will the U.S. win a World Cup?
-ESPN Insider World Cup 2014 Board

Yet with World Cup qualifying starting Feb. 6 with a difficult trip to Honduras, much of Klinsmann’s focus will be on the present. Which players are fit? Who is in good form? Who can be counted on to augment the U.S. roster and perhaps galvanize the Americans’ qualifying effort? That means there will be a bit more on the line Tuesday when the Americans take on Canada at Houston’s BBVA Compass Stadium (9 p.m. ET, ESPN2/WatchESPN). What to look for:

1. Besler and Gonzalez look to state their case

With backline depth a bit thin at the moment, much of the focus this month has been on this duo’s ability to seize the opportunity in front of them. So far, reports out of Carson are encouraging, with Omar Gonzalez’s aerial dominance combining well with Matt Besler’s savvy positioning. Canada will be bringing a decidedly understrength side to Houston, but a solid performance will do plenty to convince Klinsmann that both players need to be in his plans.

2. Can Brad Davis make his international breakthrough at last?

That Davis has only five caps, the last earned in 2010, seems incongruous for a player regularly among MLS assist leaders. His ability on the ball, especially from dead-ball situations, ought to appeal to Klinsmann, and could come in handy during qualifying. A strong shift Tuesday could see him creep further into the manager’s reckoning.

3. U.S. forwards look to feast on Canada back line

In some ways, it’s probably better for the U.S. that Canada got throttled 4-0 by Denmark Saturday. Mistakes made against the Danes are bound to be corrected, and the pride Canada usually displays against the U.S. should make for a more competitive match. Expectations will still remain high for the U.S. attack, however, and there is plenty of potential for the forward pecking order to change. Eddie Johnson and Chris Wondolowski appear to be favorites to start, but Juan Agudelo and Will Bruin will be looking to make an impact. Wondolowski, scoreless at the international level, needs to make a statement, or risk disappearing from Klinsmann’s radar.

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Email