Mexico vs. Wales: Experienced North American Side Will Cruise to Friendly Win

Mexico is poised to prevail in its international football friendly against an undermanned Wales squad on Sunday (3:05 p.m. ET) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

The 20th-ranked Mexican side will likely be a North American qualifier for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and will need to begin getting in top form this weekend in order to prepare for a crucial set of friendlies which includes powerhouse Brazil in June. 

Meanwhile, Wales enters the match as a true underdog and with virtually nothing to lose. That won't change the outcome of Sunday's match though, as the world's 41st-ranked squad, according to FIFA, travels across the pond to take on Mexico.

Mexico should have few problems conquering the Welsh side on Sunday, as Chris Coleman makes what is essentially his first appearance as manager for Wales. The pressure to score and lead will lay on the shoulders of 32-year-old Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy.

Bellamy is the most experienced player on Wales' side Sunday, and capable of not only scoring, but exciting teammates around him; he has 68 caps heading into this weekend's matchup with Mexico. 

Bellamy is about all Wales truly has to offer up front though, which will make him a marked man by Mexico's defense.

Unfortunately for Wales, however, Mexico is coming off a friendly loss to Colombia back in February. The 2-0 shutout loss to the South American side in Miami proved that the Mexicans have improving to do if they are to present a legitimate threat in Brazil two summers from now.

With plenty of motivation available for Mexico playing not far from home on Sunday against a very beatable Wales team, expect the North American side to cruise to victory.

In the end, the two squads are simply in different classes, and Mexico is clearly in the more formidable one.

Follow Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more world football take.