GUATEMALA CITY - When the US take the field Tuesday at Estadio Mateo Flores for the first true test of 2014 World Cup qualifying, they’ll encounter the usual hostile fans, a choppy, muddy pitch, and some tough-tackling Guatemalans.

But the US will also be taking on what some might find to be a surprisingly well-organized host, with a very good idea of how to maximize its assets to get the most out of the match.