Mexico vs. USA, 2014 World Cup Qualifying: An in-depth scouting report of El Tri
If the USA are going to earn a historic victory tonight at Estadio Azteca, they’ll need to be on their game and take advantage of Mexico’s weaknesses. Here’s an in-depth scouting report on Mexico to help you prepare for tonight’s game.
It's been over a decade and a half since the USA avoided losing a match that mattered against Mexico in Estadio Azteca. While the win last fall was fun, it was a friendly and those don't count towards breaking the Azteca jinx...or whatever it is.
For Jurgen Klinsmann and his side to get one of the biggest wins in US Soccer history, they'll have to overcome the aura of playing in Azteca, the altitude, the crowd and most importantly, the Mexico team itself. So what does the United States need to do tonight to get a result? The fine people at our DC United blog Black and Red United have put together an in-depth scouting report for the Mexico team and break down what the US need to do on both sides of the ball to be successful.
To prevent service for Chicharito, the US must reduce the number of times the Mexican attacking midfield trio can isolate people on the dribble. The aforementioned Guardado cross came after Honduras passed on a chance to double-team the Valencia winger, and within moments the ball was in the back of the net. It's unlikely that the US will prevent all attempts to isolate, so it's also vital that Klinsmann's defenders are ready to poke the ball away and/or take good angles to prevent the intended cross, pass, or shot.
The time certainly seems right for the US to finally break through with a win over Mexico at Azteca.
José Manuel de la Torre’s side have not been at their best lately and are susceptible as we saw in their 2-2 draw against Honduras on Friday. In addition Azteca itself hasn’t been the fortress we’re all used to of late, so if the US is ever going to get a win, today might be the day.
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