Mexico vs USA: Americans Will Gain Momentum with Win in Estadio Azteca

The U.S. men's national team is going to go into Estadio Azteca on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET and emerge with a momentous victory in its World Cup qualifying efforts.

The win will be momentous for a bevy of reasons. 

For starters, it is pivotal for the World Cup. With their snowy win over Costa Rica, the U.S. has three points in two games. This leaves them in second in the Hexagonal. 

They trail only Honduras, which has four points, and they are one point ahead of Panama, Jamaica and Mexico. 

This match has more meaning than just the standings. This is a chance for the Americans to make a statement. 

Over the years, Estadio Azteca has not been kind to the American men. Mexico holds a 16-32-12 record over the Americans. Only one of those losses came when Mexico was playing at home. 

While this certainly doesn't paint a picture of potential success for the Americans, there is more we have to consider. For example, the lone win came on Aug. 15, 2012 in a friendly. 

While the environment will be considerably more intense for this match, the experience gained in that win will help boost the Americans' confidence. 

The other thing Americans can draw confidence from is their recent track record against Mexico. In all matches since 2000, the Americans have an 11-5-3 edge over El Tri. 

There is also the fact the Mexico has not been in the best form as of late. 

El Tri held a 2-0 lead over Honduras in their last World Cup qualifier, and allowed Honduras to storm back for a 2-2 draw.

There was also the 0-0 draw against Jamaica last month while Mexico was playing at home, and the fact that Mexico has not won yet this year. 

This will lead to Mexico pressing in an attempt to turn around their recent form and the patient Americans will exploit their over-aggression.

The U.S. will emerge with three points on the strength of a 2-1 victory.