United States vs Mexico: More on the Line than Regional Bragging Rights
The biggest rivalry in all of North America and arguably one of the biggest international rivalries in all the world. Wednesday nights friendly between the United States and Mexico will be the nation’s first match against each other since last April’s pre-World Cup friendly.
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In front of a sold out 65,000 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, the rivals will both be looking to secure major bragging rights over their international rival. However, with the Gold Cup this summer both sides will be looking for momentum heading into North America’s regional contest.
The 2015 Gold Cup could also be the most important in the history of the competition. With the recent rule change allowing the winners of the bi-annual Gold Cup to play for the right to appear in the Confederations Cup.
Prior, the winner of the 2015 Gold Cup would receive automatic entrance to the 2017 Confederations Cup while the 2013 winner would receive only the Gold Cup title. While Mexico sent their B-team to the 2013 edition, the United States dominated, winning the title.
Should the United States win this summer’s Gold Cup, it would give the American’s automatic entrance into the 2017 Confederations Cup. While the Gold Cup is still a few months off, this match between the USA and Mexico could serve as the stepping stone towards the regional title.
Both nations have named non-full strength rosters for the match. With much of the world’s clubs playing their domestic seasons, both sides have resorted to a mostly domestic — all domestic based for Mexico — based roster.
The “friendly” will mostly be used by United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann as a testing ground for his younger call ups. Nick Rimando is the only goalkeeper on the roster with any competitive playing experience for the United States.
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While the United States 22-man roster only has nine members from the 2014 World Cup squad, much of the squad is comprised of return players who have made appearances for the side in the past.
The biggest question for Jurgen Klinsmann’s roster has to be in the attack. The most capped player up front for the United States will be San Jose Earthquake Chris Wondolowski. Also named was Juan Agudelo, Julian Green, Gyasi Zardes and Jordan Morris.
With Clint Dempsey — currently the United States active leader in goals scored — questionable to make the 2018 World Cup roster, the time is now for the German manager to begin his search for the heir apparent up top.
Outside of Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, the United States lacks in depth up top. Using these matches to scout the more youthful forwards in the talent pool could one day prove fruitful for the United States.
While most friendlies are not followed closely by fans, this match is the exception. Much like England’s friendlies against Scotland are much anticipated affairs, the United States vs Mexico promises to be one of the most thrilling matches of 2015.