U.S. soccer faces Cuba

HAVANA – Light on talent and with little soccer tradition, Cuba almost certainly won’t make the 2010 World Cup. That makes tonight’s qualifier against the United States, with its political overtones, the highlight of the Cubans’ qualifying campaign.

The United States, ranked 28th in the world and trying to earn a spot in its sixth straight World Cup, is making its first trip to the communist-run island since a 5-2 exhibition loss in 1947.

“Cuba-U.S. is always a classic in any sport,” Cuba goalkeeper Odelin Molina said. “The fans will be excited to have a World Cup team here, but the fact that it’s the United States makes it so much more exciting.”

Since that match in Havana 61 years ago, the United States has gone 5-0-1 against Cubans, outscoring them 13-1 in four matches since 1998.