There has been quite a build-up prior to Wednesday's showdown between the U.S. and arch-rivals Mexico in Columbus, Ohio. I have been reading some blogs, one in particular where two writers, one from each side, face each other off in true fan-fashion. I find it quite amusing when people mention stats; past stats, at that, as if those were going to play any role in Wednesday's match. Regardless of history, whether we talk about all-time, or the past 10 years between these two countries, one thing is for sure: Mexico is hungry and wants revenge. The fact that they have been struggling in all facets of the game up to this point; the Mexican fans being extremely upset, because of their ultra-nationalistic pride about the number of naturalized players on their roster; the disapproval that Eriksson "enjoys" in Mexico; the number of suspended and injured players, quite frankly, I think it's going to matter very little, if any, when the whistle blows at 4PM EST on Wednesday signaling it's time to kick-off the show.
Mexico is hurt in its pride, and they want to turn things around. Who better to do it against than the U.S. Although head coach Bradley and company have been training in Carson since the beginning of the year -mind you, with MLS players who probably will not even make game-day roster- I have not seen the type of training or competition required for a game of this magnitude. The biggest problem we face right now is two-fold. On one hand, we have several European-based players struggling severely for playing minutes. On another, the MLS has been out of season for some time now. In other words, our players have not been playing at a high level at all, and when we have the opportunity to schedule an international friendly to measure what we have done thus far, we bring a C level Swedish team filled with national team debutants.
We were probably counting on home field advantage and the bitter cold of Columbus to improve our chances for Wednesday. But one thing we did not take into consideration is the fact that Mexico's Salcido (Holland), Nery Castillo (Ukraine), Rafael Marquez (Spain), Ricardo Osorio (Germany), and until recently Pavel Pardo (Germany), must all be very well used to playing in bitter cold conditions. So, at the end of the day, what is our true advantage for Wednesday's game? Our players? Our home field advantage? Or could it be, finally, Sam's Army's turn to play a huge role on the outcome of a home-played U.S. World Cup qualifier match? What do you think? Let us know by posting your comments.
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