This thread is to discuss basically the positives and negatives of both teams, breaking down reasons we will win or lose this game tonight. Why we will beat Mexico: -We once again stifle their attacks and frustrate them until they break down. -Our players who aren't in season or playing regularly perform well anyways. -Mexico's inconsistent form continues. -The addition of more technical, attacking players allows us to finally take the game to Mexico. -The fast field at Columbus and cold conditions play a big advantage. Why we will lose to Mexico: -Our high number of players not playing regularly hurts us. -Mexico's dynamic and technical attacking play breaks down our slow, and poor technical back line. -Someone makes another reckless tackle to result in a red card or directly to a goal. -We play scared, sit back and defend to much and chase, letting Mexico dictate the game. -Poor use of subs for example something like taking out effective attacking players with a late lead to bring on defensive players and our lack of ability to hold the ball results in points blown. What are some other opinions on reasons we will both win and lose the game tonight against rival Mexico? Also of my reasons what do people think the most likely are to happen?
With the current weather conditions, won't the field be soggy and slow - not fast? The strong winds will also be a huge disadvantage that could lead to a nil-nil draw. A game time temperature of 50-55 is not exactly what I call cold conditions, either.
Well depends how wet the field is I guess, could skip and be fast, could be drenched and slow it down so I guess we'll find out soon. But Bradley as well constantly mentioned how the field is fast.
Why we'll lose to Mexico: Because they're bound to win one against us at some point. There's a lot of luck involved in these matches, and we've had it over the last 9 years. Why we'll win against Mexico: A stunning height advantage if the rumored lineups are true for both squads. We WIIIIIIIIILL score on at least one set-piece tonight, which has been a strength of ours for years. Boca, Gooch, Bradley, Dempsey, Ching, etc. are all great headers of the ball. People don't realize Dempsey's 6'1", Bradley's 6'1", Kljestan's 6'1". Look at the Mexico midfielders that are rumored to start (Gio, Medina, Leandro, Pardo). They're all 5'9" or less. They're probably faster than us overall, and will want to keep the ball on the ground. The outside backs, in particular better be ready for Medina and dos Santos. I also think we have a distinct advantage in goalkeeping. Sanchez is good (personally I think Ochoa is better), but Howard has been playing great for Everton and so far in qualifying. My prediction 2-1 Boca scores on a corner, and then Landon scores on a counterattack at ~75 min. Mexico gets one back at the end as they're going all-out for a point.
If we win, we likely won because: 1) Mexico had a bunch of injuries/suspensions. 2) Our defense is rock solid and they couldn't break us down 3) Altidore was a beast off the bench. 4) Bob went with Sacha and the kid stepped up to the task. If we lose, 1) Cards - Bradley, Bocanegra, Clark, Hejdude, and to a lesser extent Gooch, Pearce are all card risks. One tackle too hard or one tackle too many and we play a portion of the match down a man. 2) Our outside backs get exposed. We miss Cherundolo on the right. Dempsey/Donovan play inside and those solid crosses from Steve C. are missed. 3) Cumulative effect of wasted caps - Wynne should have more matches under his belt by now, instead we have to start Hejdude. Rogers/Torres should have more caps (more so Rogers), instead we have to play a not perfectly in form Beasley. Personally, I think Beasley overcomes and while I think we can go to the Hejdude over and over, eventually he is going to come up lacking right? Altidore should have more caps by now as well. 4) Bob plays too conservatively and we give up a goal early giving Mexico confidence. 5) Our young central midfield gets exposed. They are talented, and fearless, but they are relatively young. 6) LD gets hurt/is off with his international travel, and general wear and tear over the last month.
The field is probably frozen. With less rain than expected there'll be little mud. The wind will effect longer passes and set-pieces. The USMNT has to keep the ball on the ground. Mexico does it better.
Reasons we might lose, their speed upfront catches us a few times. Reasons we win 1) Landon Donovan 2) Height Advantage, at least 1 goal off set pieces. 3) Clint Dempsey in form 4) Jozy off the bench/starting 5) Sacha Kljestan off a free kick, that one against Sweeden was sick. Not to mention he is playing tremendously right now.
I am worried about the "Rocky III" factor a little, and this blurb on Clint's new shoes didn't help that any.
The US versus CONCACAF opponents at home in the last 50 games: 40-0-10 That's right, we've gone 50 games without losing to a CONCACAF team at home. I have no idea why our home-field advantage is so great, because we don't generate intimidating atmospheres. We're not throwing batteries and bags of urine or anything. So we'll win tonight because we've to the home field advantage, and for reasons I don't understand it's a massive advantage. Reason we'll lose: That streak is bound to end at some point. And when it does it'll probably be Mexico or Honduras that does it.
Lose - 1) Dos Santos and Unibrow exploit the weakest part of the USMNT: their outside backs. 2) Trust Mexico in the center of the pitch more than Bradley and Sacha 3) Bob's tactics struggle against upper echelon competition when the speed advantage is neutralized (field conditions)
LOSE: MLS is out of season and a good portion of our Euros aren't getting consistent 90 minute run-outs. we're rusty. this game comes at a crappy time on the schedule for the U.S. -- because the MLS off-season is abnormally long. and again, too many of our Euros are benchwarmers. As for Mexico, their guys are in shape and in form (save for the injuries). WIN: Mexico's injuries. Dempsey and Donovan have been reasonably sharp. They will contribute to 2 goals tonight. Sloppy, slow grass will slow the Mexican passing down.
We have a vast talent/technical advantage over all of our CONCACAF opponents (save Mexico) that is neutralized to some extent on their crappy, bumpy, unlit fields. On our short-cut, even fields at home, it's no contest.