CONCACAF Hexagonal Game #6: USA vs Mexico at Azteca
The rivalry continues as Mexico, currently in first place team of the CONCACAF with 13pts, faces third place team USA with 7pts on Sunday 6/11/2018.
As of late the tide has shifted on Mexico’s behalf with 2 victories(one at the Gold Cup Championship match and one at the 1st match of the CONCACAF qualifying for Russia 2018 this past november). Both were on US soil. One would think that all the pressure is on the US as it is struggling to earn the points it needs to advance. But if you look at it from the perspective that the US has only one 1 victory at Azteca and 1 tie in the past 20 years, then you can assume that Mexico has the pressure to produce not only for the sake of the rivalry, for its fans and now for country(especially if you were to include the political tensions that have been created in the past year). On Mexico’s side, they will have 100,000 passionate fans, altitude, smog and a team filled with both technically skilled and highly experienced. They are so good that they have only conceded one goal in the past 5 matches. If Mexico were facing the same US team of 8 months ago, it would be understandable for them to be quite confident going into this match.
Fortunately for the US fans, this is not the same team. Although many of the ingredients are the same, the dynamic, the leadership and the roster has changed(in a good way). The USMNT is 2-1-0 in their last three matches. They have outscored their opponents 9-1. We have the emergence of Christian Pulisic, Darlington Nagbe and Jorge Villafana how have had solid performances in each game and are getting better and better with every single match the complete. In addition the USMNT has the benefit return of a few of key players from injury (Cameron, Yedlin, F. Johnson, Wood). Lastly, we have Arena at the helm. A coach that is familiar with producing results and has ample experience with facing the elements of Mexico at Azteca Stadium.
A win would amazing. A tie would be great as well. A loss would hurt but would not be the end of the world. The only result that would be unacceptable would be a loss by a large margin of goals and a game that would with serious injuries to are key players. Having said that, this game has the potential to get very ugly. Past US and Mexican players describe these games are war like battles. It is safe to say that Christian Pulisic will have a target on him and will be the victim of multiple harsh tackles and fouls. Other potential targets will be Darlington Nagbe, Jozy Altidore(who will need to keep his cool), and Clint Dempsey if he starts the game. It will be interesting to see how the referee decides to call the match(either let them play *which might be ugly* or actually enforcing his presence and calling infractions as they occur). It might be also a great opportunity for the USMNT to be as dramatic as possible when or if fouled. If they they try to muscle through each challenge, they might be encouraging harsher behavior from our opponents.
So, what do we need for a good result. First of all is high tempo. We did not see this in the first half of the T&T match which ended 0-0. But when we saw it in the second half, it worked to our advantage by a final score of 2-0. Secondly, ball possession is a must. If we find ourselves chasing the mexican players for the ball, we will needlessly exhaust ourselves. Thirdly, controlling the middle of the field. We finally have players that can posses and take players 1v1 when needed(we need the best from Nagbe, Bradley, Johnson and Pulisic). Did I say tempo? This also means a solid starting roster. The only change I would expect in our roster is that of Clint Dempsey(Wood if want to lean toward the attacking side of things or Acosta if we want to lean toward the defensive approach). Lastly part A, good communication on our back line (including Bradley). I hope that our outside backs are very cautious as they pick their moments to move forward to help out on the attack(USMNT needs to be careful with Mexico’s quick counter attacks). Lastly part B, absolutely zero mistakes when it comes to dealing with set pieces. We have struggled in the past, and a mistake here would be disastrous both in terms of score, moral, and strategy.
I would love a lead by at least one goal in the first half, but I am happy with 0-0 going into half time and then see what we can create in the second half. Honestly, there is no way to know or expect how this is going to unfold. Tune in FS1, Univision, UDN @ 5:30 PST.
Cheers,
Robert
FOOTBROTHERS 
Nicely called Robert! Bradley showed up and Acosta worked to his favor. Very pleased with Arena! Was a little surprised about Guzman but not wood. Very pleased with the draw, we played a great consistent game, I have high hopes for future games.