Eriksson keeps his focus on America

Eriksson was upbeat ahead of Mexico's game with the United States despite reports that a loss could spell the end of his time in charge.

COLUMBUS // Sven Goran Eriksson intends to fulfil his current contract with Mexico until after the 2010 World Cup despite rumours linking the Swede with the vacant post at Portsmouth. After Tony Adams was sacked as the Portsmouth manager on Monday Eriksson has named as a possible contender for the post along with the former Chelsea boss Avram Grant. Despite speculation throughout Mexico - and back in England, where he used to be the national coach - that his job is in jeopardy if Mexico fail to beat the United States on Wednesday, Eriksson preferred to talk about his team's chances instead of his employment.

"I always said I have a contract until 2010, after the World Cup. In football, you never know what will happen but I have a contract and I want to win tomorrow." Just over seven months into his reign as head of Mexico's World Cup hopes, Eriksson is under fire because the team barely made it into the final round of CONCACAF qualifying and faces a stiff test against the Americans. "I know that it's a difficult game, a very difficult game," Eriksson said. "But we have worked very hard and we've been together for a long time. We have done everything to be as ready as possible for tomorrow and we look forward to the game."

*With agencies