The countdown for the crucial, bitter rivalry between the U.S. National Team and Mexico has begun. We are merely ten days away from the showdown in Columbus, Ohio which will kick off the final World Cup qualifying hexagonal round. Ninetiethminute.com will bring you all the news leading up to the game, as well as live coverage on February 11, 2009.
The USMNT started the second stage of training in Carson, CA with a 20-Men roster called up by head coach Bob Bradley. As the initial training camp, the current roster is filled up by MLS players, in anticipation of the foreign-based players who will be part of the final roster for the match.
Mexico is presenting a few problems to complete a roster filled with injuries and card-suspensions. Carlos Vela, Gerardo Torrado and Fernando Arce are all serving game suspensions. Mexico's most dynamic player, Andres Guardado, has a ruptured tendon in his left leg and will not play against the U.S. Rafael Marquez, Mexico and F.C. Barcelona's central defender has been nursing a strained muscle, and is listed as questionable. The latest potential blow to Mexican's interests came last night from their captain and field-leader Pavel Pardo, who came off the game limping at the 59th minute during his Club America's loss 0-1 to Morelia in the Mexican first division match and had to be substituted.
Whether Mexico has a full roster or not will ultimately not affect the anticipation and adrenaline-filled match. U.S. - Mexico matches are special, and the one coming up will not lack its share of drama and excitement. On the line are the first 3 points of final round of qualifiers, but most importantly, the pride of not having lost to Mexico in the last 10 games played at home. Starting the final round with 3 points at home against our arch-rivals will be huge, and that should be all U.S. players must be thinking about.
We would love to read your thoughts and comments about this upcoming crucial match.
No comments:
Post a Comment