Eriksson's team began the final stage of the CONCACAF qualifying section last month with a 2-0 defeat to bitter rivals the United States, a result which led to speculation over the Swede's future.

A second defeat for Mexico or even a failure to claim victory would surely spell the end for Eriksson, who admitted: "I know perfectly that we cannot lose against Costa Rica or even draw, we have to win.

"If not, to be honest, life would be very difficult for me and maybe ends then, but that is how it goes in football."

The former England manager is without the key quartet of Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Salcido (injured) and the suspended Rafael Marquez and Carlos Vela for the match against Costa Rica at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa expects the Ticos will come to defend in a bid to get at least a draw.

"We are aware of Costa Rica's display against us," Ochoa said.

"We know that we have to pay attention to the set-pieces and the counter-attacks, and it would be a big surprise if they posed a threat besides that. We have to make them worry about us and try to give joy to the people."

Costa Rica coach Rodrigo Kenton tried to shift the pressure away from his players and said: "We have to play it like any other match. This clash and the one against El Salvador could help us in our ambition to reach South Africa 2010. But it is only one game, it does not define anything."

Midfielder Celso Borges added: "We have to be calm as we are going to play in a great stadium. The opening minutes will be crucial, if we can attack then that will make a big impact. We have to maintain our football identity, playing as if we were hosts."

Costa Rica share top spot with the USA after the first round of matches, with the Americans away to El Salvador tomorrow.

US coach Bob Bradley believes a win against the 'Cuscatlecos' to follow on from their victory over Mexico could put their qualification bid firmly on the right track.

"We have a great chance to consolidate our position in the standings and we are looking for the same kind of effort, confidence and hard work that gave us a good result with Mexico," he said.

El Salvador's Eliseo Quintanilla, however, is hopeful of causing an upset in San Salvador.

He said: "We recognise their level, but we know that we raise our game at home. It is not easy to beat us. They have virtues and flaws and we know where we can harm them. We respect them, but we are not afraid of them."

Finally, Trinidad and Tobago face Honduras in Port of Spain with both sides looking for a first win in the final stage.

Trinidad midfielder Chris Birchall said: "The Hondurans are very good as they play fluently. We have faced them in other matches, but this one will be harder. They lost their first game and that makes them more dangerous."

Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda added: "Trinidad are a well-balanced side, with a lot of skilled players who represent European clubs. They are a counter-attacking team because they have fast and strong players."