overall game predictions of mine 1. won't be scoreless at halftime: the way mexico is playing getting chance after chance i would say 70% chance of mexico scoring in the half or the usa scoring on a counter attack. All i know is that it will be very unlikely that it will remain scoresless at halftime. 2. there won't be any big scuffle: I don't see the teams getting in a pushing scuffle. 3. very few yellow cards from mexico: i just don't see mexico doing lots of hacking. They have a new coach and he has instilled new discipline. 4. Borgetti scores at least a goal if he plays: he will be determined to score after what happened with brazil, although i heard he had another "unlucky day" in the mfl weekend game against veracruz (good news yanks!) 5. Mexican fans throw papers and boo the mexico team off the field if they lose. 6. If mathis plays he will probably suck 7. If Carmona plays he will probably commit a foul (punch/kick) a usa player (i remember the sucker punch to D'allessandro in the argentina friendly) this guy is a pig. 8. mexican fans start leaving the stadium early if usa is winning near the end, stadium ends up empty like in the denver game (the second possibility from number 5) 9. (my "IF" prediction) IF the usa is leading mexico nearing the end of the game then Get rid of my 2 and 3 (it could get ugly knowing what happened at the world cup) mexico wont leave houston with a loss without inflicting some pain first that is a safe bet. Although i hope (like i have been asking for) is for the usa players to kick some ass and get some payback for all past hacks. a big scuffle between all the teams after the match ends would be a perfect way to end usa win and another mexico embarrasment (for the drama this adds)
Mexico 2 - US 1 Because they have basically a home game, they're pissed, we don't care as much, and we're missing the Yanks Abroad.
1) Temperature: Houston will be hot, humid and at sea level. My guess is that US players are better conditioned for extreme temperatures, and since Houston is at sea-level, it will also be uncomfortable for Mexicans. Advantage: USA 2) Crowd: for sure will be pro-Mexico. 3) level of fitness: MLS is just starting. MFL is in mid-season form. Advantage: Mexico. 4) level of confidence: USA has won 5 of the last 6. Advantage: USA Prediction: Mexico will attack, USA will defend and counter-attack. Mexico doesn't have a good set of attackers at this time and will have a tough time scoring. My final prediction is USA 2, Mex 0.
Mexico 3 US 1 1) This is not anywhere the best the US could send 2) Mexico MUST win or they lose tremendous face 3) Mathis sweats off 10 pounds, is still overweight and turns in another stinker. His fans are already preparing the excuses 4) Freddy Adu appears in the second half for the US
I'm not sure what the outcome will be, Mexico has been playing very well, but have had a hell of a time putting the ball into the net. If they do score, look out, the flood gates may burst. US may score a goal on a good counter attack. But keep in mind that neither team will be playing with European based players. Also, Borgetti is injured and will not play. It may be physical, but not to the degree that the WC game was. I don't see how the fact that the game is at sea level will play a role. Also, the high temps may help Mexico, since they have been playing their league games in hot weather (80's and 90's). Will probably be close, I see 1-1 or a Mexico win. Great atmosphere.
Don't know where people are listing all their stupid lineup predictions, but here's mine: 4-4-2 Howard Bocanegra Califf Pope Hejduk Convey Mastroeni Donovan Klein Mathis McBride My only interesting picks here are Convey starting over DMB on the left wing, and Klein/Mathis starting over Stewart.
USA will win 2-1. We will get goals from McBride and Donovan. We will be missing some top guys, but we will be prepared for this game, and I think Howard will surprise people with a solid performance.
predictions: Mathis, out to prove, gets up for the big game which DOES mean something to the peeps Scores and assists. Mexico scores twice also however. 2-2.
U.S/MEX Im expecting a hard fought midfield battle. The U.S will most likely start with only one striker up top, McHead with Donovan running the down the wings and Mathis as the playmaker. Maybe the bruce will try to surprise el Tri with some set plays. Other than that i expect the US nats to sit back and defend. Seeing how the Gold Cup is just around the corner and both squads might meet again neither coach will want to reveal their teams potential.. As much as lond2345 is expecting "Offensive minded" Mexico to attack it wont. Mexico will be playing without four of its starting players, five if we include Blanco who has been excluded from the Squad. This Tricolor is basically a new team with some very young players just getting their first caps. That said Arellano should serve as the playmaker making diagional runs and combining in the center mid with Perez/Arce and Bautista could be the withdrawn striker attempting to penetrate down the center. Mendoza and Altamirano will try to surprise down the wings.. I have Bravo as the Wildcard.
Re: U.S/MEX LaVolpe has already stated that the game plan will not change from the Brazil game. He knows that the USA will stay back, he plans on bringing the game to them and attack. The young players, especially Bravo and Bautista want to et on the board. They will be attacking all game long.
"As much as lond2345 is expecting "Offensive minded" Mexico to attack it wont. Mexico will be playing without four of its starting players, five if we include Blanco who has been excluded from the Squad. " and?? was Blanco in the brazil game where mexico attacked all game??
US/MEX No., but Borgetti, Pavel Pardo, Marquez and Ramon Morales were and they are basically the core of the team having been called up to just about every game since Lavolpe took Over. Dont you think that losing all these players to injury will force Lavolpe to readjust his tactics, same thing happened to Brazil when they lost Roberto Carlos, Cafu and Rivaldo..
How long do you think it would take the 3rd & 4th Infantry Divisions to move from Ft. Hood to Mexico City? How many MOABS do you think it would take to turn the Azteca into a pile of dirt, dust, and ash?Mysterios all?
Caveat: I did NOT see Mexico-Brazil. I'm sure El Tri did well, but even so... USA 1-0 Mexico. The last few games between these two have been shutouts if I remember correctly. The first goal typically knocks the other team off their game, so why should this one be any different? There will be an injury out of this one that will make the previous state of the rivalry look like a kindergarten playground bust-up. (I don't know, I just made that phrase up)
Re: Done-a-van? no, not really...everytime we play he does it to ya. just get used to it, the kid is young still
Re: Re: Done-a-van? Hmm..Donovan did make Torrado look silly last time out..... US 2 Mex 0 Tim Howard has a pristine game where he saves 2 sure goals. Donovan 1g and 1a. Mathis with a rocket for the other. Mexico will probably sit back more then what they did against Brazil, from what I understand, and it will be a very midfield oriented game with Landon eventually taking over. McBride and Mathis start up top with Landon right behind them.