Dave Perry Austin, Texas. What are the criteria for breaking ties in World Cup qualifying? Specifically, what happens if the United States wins at Barbados and Guatamala beats Costa Rica, 1-0? Who advances, Costa Rica or Guatamala? Mike Woitalla: To answer your second question first: If Guatemala beats Costa Rica, 1-0, and the United States beats Barbados, Guatemala and Costa Rica would meet on neutral ground in a one-game playoff. ThatÆs because they would be even on points, goal difference and total goals scored. Both would have 10 points, 8 goals-for and 5 goals-against. They would have each beaten each other once, and each would have scored two goals and conceded two goals in head-to-head competition. Now hereÆs the tiebreaking procedure: a. greater number of points obtained in all the group matches; b. goal difference in all the group matches; c. greater number of goals scored in all the group matches. If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their place shall be determined as follows: d. greater number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned; e. goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned; f. greater number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned; g. a playoff on neutral ground. (If you have a question for a Soccer America Magazine editor, click “Q&A with SA Editors” in the left column of the home page under “Interactive.”)