Or you could say Mexico hasn't beaten the US since 2001. This is the best team the US has ever sent to Mexico by far. This isn't the most stellar Mexican squad ever. Just be careful with it, history means little when comparing the sorts of teams the US has sent before and this one. I think it ends in a 1-1 tie.
Good point about having reservations Wild Bill. However, even with the US's improved squad it would take a good effort here by the Americans to draw or win. It is possible. The US squad has been doing well in the CONCACAF qualifying so far this year.
I just feel Mexico has the talent to win here and this is never a match in which they wish to draw.
I just feel Mexico has the talent to win here and this is never a match in which they wish to draw.
Oh the Mexicans are fired up about it, but they American team is just more talented. People are caught up in the past, but right now the US team is the best in Concacaf and it isn't really that close. I watch Mexican soccer almost every week and the Mexican league is being dominated mostly by foreigners right now. The best couple of players are arguing with the coach and the federation half the time, with a guy that no one likes former hero Blanco a shell of his former self and still starting despite flubbing all over the place. This game might be the game where they all put that aside and get a win, but its not easy to win a game against better opposition when that opposition is completely fired up for this.
The US knows that winless streak is over them and breaking it is probably priority number two right now after just making sure they qualify. Sports Illustrated that hits the newstands today is doing a story on the game and lots of US press is actually going South for the first time ever. This game is huge to all that follow US soccer so it won't be just about Mexico being motivated.
The US knows that winless streak is over them and breaking it is probably priority number two right now after just making sure they qualify. Sports Illustrated that hits the newstands today is doing a story on the game and lots of US press is actually going South for the first time ever. This game is huge to all that follow US soccer so it won't be just about Mexico being motivated.
Mexican players are always bickering with coaches and their federation that's nothing new. I see this game ending in a 1-1 draw. Both sides are good and while this is the best American team we've seen in a while, that's not exactly saying something. After 2002's performance, the United States is overrated and overhyped. Truth is they have a few good players a few promising young athletes and that's about it. Remember American soccer teams are usually bipolar. For instance, the U-20 team beat Argentina but lost to South Korea. Also, the US team i believe made the second round in 1994 and 2002, yet came in dead last in 1998 (although the reason for that was the ill-fated 3-6-1 scheme). We knocked Mexico out of the 02 World Cup and they've been waiting for the chance to repay the favor. And even though it is true that Keller is a world-class goalkeeper, the defense is not world-class in any respect. Personally, I'm just gonna sit back and watch the game, it should be exciting.
actually in a situation like this ,, it would be wise to look at the history even though the US is a better team... The reason is Azteca stadium.. Mexico is an amazing team in this stadium and has only lost either once or twice in numerous games played there. The reason is because of the altitude, when most visiting team's legs are turning into jello 2nd half, the Mexicans still run strong as they are more accustomed to it. Playing at Azteca is one of the greatest homefield advantages in the history of sports, look at the numbers,, it will back that up. I hope you guys beat the Mexicans but it will be a tough one for sure.
Good points brownsfan except for the score. I was thinking 3-1 or 3-0.
Vancouver fan, you also bring up some valid points.
<BIG><BIG>Estadio Azteca in Mexico City</BIG></BIG>
Opened: 1966
Seats:
Team:
One of the biggest stadiums in the world. Built for the 1968 Olympics and host of two world championships finals:
June 21, 1970 - Brazil 4 - Italy 1
June 29, 1986 - Argentina 3 - West Germany 2
Vancouver fan, you also bring up some valid points.
<BIG><BIG>Estadio Azteca in Mexico City</BIG></BIG>
Opened: 1966
Seats:
Team:
One of the biggest stadiums in the world. Built for the 1968 Olympics and host of two world championships finals:
June 21, 1970 - Brazil 4 - Italy 1
June 29, 1986 - Argentina 3 - West Germany 2
Another view of the Azteca which will be full of rabid Mexicans baying for US blood after their humiliation by the USA in Korea at WC2002.
I agree that the US is sending a better team than in the past but think the home-field advantage will make it very tough.
I am not betting big on this but will probably have a recreational bet on USA +0.5 as this makes my bet a winner if US gets a draw like I think they can.
Vancouver fan said:
Put it into proper context though. One could have said the same thing about them playing Costa Rica at home four years ago, how they had never lost to them. They took an early lead and then lost the game. Simply put that advantage has existed more as a result of competition, not the whole altitude issue.
Look back at the last two US ventures in there. The first was a "historic" tie, where the US went down a man about 20 minutes in and then played in a total defensive shell and survived with a 0-0 tie. Last time the US had a lot of key injuries and had already achieved most of the points they would need to qualify. Without two key midfielders they only lost 1-0, in a game where they got far more offensive chances than could be expected considering the injuries. Considering all that I don't think anyone can put much stock into the history.
WildBill said:
When betting a team I like to look at 2 things first: 1.) the talent to win the bet and 2.) the motivation. I think each team has the talent to win their side of this bet. I believe motivation is on the side of the Mexican team to avenge their setback 4 years ago. The US team knows they will most probably go on to Germany so this is not a must-win match for them.
Add in the fact that they are at Azteca and the advantage Mexico has in talent and this is why I believe the Mexican team will win, not draw here.
Wildbill,, Since Azteca stadium was built in 1966,, the Mexican National team has lost 1,,, I repeat,,, 1 ...world cup qualifying game there. The US record in Azteca is 0 wins - 17 losses and 1 tie there. I realize the U.S. is a much better team now, but when I say you have to look at the history for this game I mean look at the history of the Mexican team in Azteca stadium... The stadium is an amazing 7200 feet above sea level, so right off the bat altitude is a huge advantage for them, and major problem for opposition, there is 110,000 screaming people in the crowd, which is said creates an absolute deafening noise and makes it tough for players to communicate, the air is also full of smog and pollution which burns the lungs each breath. They just do not lose there, it is the greatest homefield advantage in the history of sports, and to ignore that and pass their home record off as just competition is just pure ignorance. I have seen numerous interviews with players that say how intimidating and difficult it is to play there. Our Canadian team has beaten and tied the Mexican nationals on our own turf, then gone on to lose 6-0 at Azteca a month later.. Kudos to Costa Rica a few years back for winning there, but you couldn't expect them to go undefeated forever, and the Ticos had a pretty damn good team then as well. Here's a good little website about the disadvantages of playing in Azteca if your into reading it. http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/exclusives/468862.html
