Mexico vs. Colombia: Soccer Friendly in Miami Will Rekindle Heated Rivalry

After time away from each other, the rivalry between Mexico and Colombia has cooled down a bit. That will change quickly Wednesday night.

Mexico holds the series advantage at 12-9-6, but it will be the addition of new coach Jose Pekerman to Los Cafeteros that could make the difference in this matchup.

Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami, Florida, USA

When: Wednesday, February 29th at 8:00 p.m. EST

Watch: Univision, Al Jazeera Sports

What They’re Saying

Colombian National team captain Mario Yepes told FIFA.com about the squads new coach:

"

Pekerman isn’t so well known in Europe because he’s only ever coached in South America. When I was playing for River Plate, he was coach of Argentina’s U-20 side. Lots of the players he picked at the time were playing alongside me at River and they told me good things about him, especially his desire to play really polished and technical attacking football.

"

Player to Watch for Mexico: Javier Hernandez

In my estimation, there will be no better player on the pitch Wednesday than Javier Hernandez of the Mexican National team.

At only 23 years old, "Chicharito," as he is called, is already one of the most dangerous strikers in the world. Not only does he dominate with Manchester United in the EPL, he has become the star of his National team.

Hernandez will get his points against Colombia, but if the team leans too heavily on the young star, they will find themselves on the losing end of this match.

Player to Watch for Colombia: Radamel Falcao

Despite coming into this matchup never having scored a goal against the Mexican National team, Spain's La Liga star Radamel Falcao wants to put an end to all that talk.

The 26-year-old striker is one of the best in the world and looks to show the international audience why he deserves their utmost respect.

With Mexico very rarely tested, Falcao and the Colombians will be the stiffest completion faced in over a year.

Prediction: Colombia 3, Mexico 2

With plenty of talent on both sides of the ball and plenty at stake for both teams, this may start out as a friendly and end up as a heated rivalry game.

Add in a raucous Miami crowd and the environment for this game will be a breeding ground for hard play and intense situations. Both teams want this win in a big way.

While both squads will get their tallies, it will be the fast-moving Colombians that stun the betting favorite Mexican team. I expect a can’t-miss game that has even the most casual soccer fans breathing heavy.

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