On Thursday, one of the most crucial periods in US men's national team history begins as the Yanks travel to Estadio Azteca for a massive Concacaf World Cup qualifier versus arch-rival Mexico. Mexico vs. USA:
The USMNT is in a position to win an automatic ticket for Qatar 2022 with a top-three finish heading into the remaining three matches of the Octagonal season, presently sitting second on the table with 21 points from 11 games. But the task is far from done, with Mexico only a goal difference behind them (equal on points).
Mexico vs. the USA:
Here's everything you need to know about the game on Thursday.
When: Thursday, March 24th at 10 p.m. Eastern Time
Where is Estadio Azteca in Mexico City?
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Mexico
Mexico, like the United States, is under a lot of pressure at this moment. El Tri, the most dominating team in Concacaf history, has not looked like the best team so far in qualifying, giving that title to a Canada club that is the only team in the region entering the final window with a berth nearly certain.
El Tri may be more susceptible than in previous years, but they are still a desperate opponent. Expect head coach Tata Martino to send his players sprinting from the first whistle in an attempt to clinch a crucial three-point victory.
From an MLS perspective, keep an eye out for LA Galaxy right back Julian Araujo, who might make his second appearance in the WCQ this year. Héctor Herrera, a future Houston Dynamo FC midfielder, is also on the team.
United States of America
As the Octagonal play continues, the stakes for the USMNT could not be higher, with a World Cup berth within sight but far from certain. At the Azteca, they'll face one of the toughest road matches in Concacaf, against a Mexico team that's equal on points with them and just a goal differential tiebreaker behind them in third place.
The USMNT has never won a World Cup qualifier in the Azteca, but if they can break that pattern and win here, the first stage in their qualification campaign will be completed. The USMNT has won three straight games against its arch-rival, including finals in the Concacaf Nations League and the Gold Cup as well as a 2-0 win at home in qualifying.
With games against Panama (March 27, at home) and Costa Rica (March 30, away), the main concern is how head coach Gregg Berhalter will manage his lineup for the match. A number of crucial players, including midfielder Weston McKennie, striker Brenden Aaronson, and fullback Sergio Dest, are injured, further complicating matters for the coach.Mexico vs. USA:
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