USA takes on Mexico at a sold-out Rose Bowl Saturday at 6 p.m. in a highly-anticipated, high-stakes rivalry clash. The winner will represent CONCACAF in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.
“It’s huge. It’s big. There’s a lot riding on the game,” said U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan. “We’re confident in each other and we’re confident as a team.”
The Confederations Cup is especially important because it serves as a “dress-rehearsal” of sorts to the 2018 World Cup. Teams can acclimate to weather, travel, stadiums, lodging and other aspects that most nations will face for the first time in 2018.
“I think it’s one of the best rivalries in sports,” said U.S. defender Matt Besler.” “It’s a rivalry that we respect, and we’re trying to add to another chapter.”
The historical rivalry began in 1934, when USA defeated Mexico in a similar one-game playoff to qualify for the 1934 World Cup. Mexico has taken the reigns of the rivalry since, with a 35-21-14 record against USA. However, USA has turned the tides in recent years, with a 13-5-5 record since 2000 against its rivals.
The Rose Bowl’s 90,000+ capacity is made even more interesting by its location in the heart of Pasadena, which reflects Southern California’s diverse population. In the past, Mexican supporters have dominated USA-Mexico matches in Southern California. CONCACAF’s ticket sales strategy may bring the proportion closer to 50/50, but an
edge to Mexico can be expected in the bleachers on Saturday.
“My parents were born in Mexico. I’m Mexican-American,” said USA defender Michael Orozco. “But at the end of the day, I’ve got to represent my country, which is the U.S., and I’m going to do it with a lot of pride and honor.”
Both teams are not without their woes heading into Saturday. US coach Jurgen Klinsmann has been under fire regarding his “tinkering” of lineups and the second-worst finish in the Gold Cup in the team’s history.
Mexico also has had its fair share of coaching dramatics, as interim head-coach Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti declared he did not want the job on a long-term basis. A recent plague of injuries has not helped Mexico’s cause.
Despite their obstacles, U.S. players are confident going in to Saturday’s match.
“We’re the best in CONCACAF, and that’s what we want to show come Saturday,” said USA defender DaMarcus Beasley. “It’s going to be a great atmosphere. You want to play in those games.”
