USA vs. Mexico: After Losing CONCACAF's Supremacy, Americans Play for Pride

The forthcoming U.S.A. vs. Mexico CONCACAF match is not just a friendly match, it is a rough competition, where pride is the one and only reward. The majestic Lincoln Financial Field will witness 90 minutes the passion of this pure sport.

As in every respectable match, there is no favorite team. Although Mexico has more developed players, anything can happen. 

The American defeat in Pasadena, CA can’t be compared with this game. First, the American's will have a true home field advantage. The large Hispanic community that was seen in southern California that seemed to distract the American players will not be evident in Philadelphia. Although the average American has not developed a passion for soccer, there is a growing fan base in the northeast that will come and support the Americans.

Speaking strictly about the game, both nations have competitive line-ups, but Mexico has the advantage to its American counterpart in the offensive midfield. Pablo Barrera and Andrés Guardado go through an excellent moment; with an unclear future, both players affront every game as a final. 

On the other hand, and after weeks of rumors, Giovani Dos Santos seems to have finally found a definitive club, the Sevilla F.C., and because of this, he will concentrate purely on having an exceptional performance in the soccer field.  

Those three men can define the match in a matter of seconds, Mexico's game is largely based on their solid offensive midfield. 

Despite the absence of the deadly Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Aldo de Nigris, the offense is still quite dangerous and will be almost entirely based on wingers.

This is the only area where Mexico has a clear superiority, yet it is not enough for them to be considered as favorites. The defense has severe deficiencies, and the American team is urged to take advantage on that. 

Jürgen Klinsmann has repeatedly declared he likes offensive football, but in this particular match, they should wait for Mexico to lose the ball and then counter-attack, this could be their best opportunity for winning the game. 

Whatever happens tonight, Americans have nothing to lose and much to win.  

Why? Simply because they have been defeated by Mexico twice in the last two years, so if the score turns against them, there would be no surprise, nothing to be ashamed of; it was Klinsmann’s first match; the World Cup is still far away, there’s time for improvement, but if Mexico falls, the victory will absolutely humiliate the Mexican team, nobody could state that Mexico is actually CONCACAF’s giant anymore, and Klinsmann would have had a dreamed debut. 

 An American victory is plausible, but given the circumstances they must be extremely cautious with Mexican wingers, and counter-attack when the opportunity is given, this could be their key to triumph. 

After losing CONCACAF’s supremacy, it’s time for America to regain its pride.