CONCACAF’s biggest rivalry is set for its latest clash on Thursday as Mexico host the USA in World Cup qualifying.
Mexico and the USA are chasing CONCACAF’s first-place team, Canada, in qualifying. Both national sides are locked on 21 points, four points behind Canada.
There are three matches left in qualifying for both Mexico and the USA. As long as both national teams continue picking up points, they will progress to the World Cup 2022.
Mexico had a poor end to 2021 with four straight matches finishing without wins. Three of those four games were defeats.
El Tri rebounded in 2022 and are on a three-game unbeaten streak. Gerardo Martino’s team posted wins against Jamaica and Panama along with a draw versus Costa Rica.
The USA are unbeaten in 21 of their last 24 matches in all competitions. Their losses came against Switzerland, Panama, and Canada. The Yanks played Mexico three times in 2021 claiming one win and two draws – the USA won those draw games in extra-time.
It should be noted that the Yanks’ positive results all came in the United States. The USA do not play well against Mexico in Mexico City. Although the Yanks won there in 2012 under Jurgen Klinsmann, the USA struggling in the fiery cauldron of Mexico City.
These teams do not often play in Mexico City, rather they meet on American soil. Therefore, the American squad is not versed with playing in front of such a hostile environment as they will face this week.
Mexico have a strong head-to-head record against the USA. El Tri have a record of 38W-14D-23L dating back to 1934. It should be noted that many of Mexico’s wins against the Yanks came prior to the 1990s when the Yanks improved dramatically on the world soccer stage.
According to a quote from USA coach Gregg Berhalter, he could play a ‘B’ team. As it stands, the USA are four points ahead of fourth-place Panama and five in front of fifth-place Costa Rica. Berhalter would be foolish to throw away the points against the Yanks’ biggest rival.
Mexico have struggled against the USA in recent meetings. However, Thursday’s match is being played in Mexico City, a notoriously difficult place for the USA to play.
El Tri should benefit from home-field advantage with a win at full-time. The Yanks have struggled against CONCACAF’s top teams and those issues should continue versus Mexico. El Tri should win with under 2.5 goals.
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