Sports

The Give & Go of Mexico-USMNT

The score is deceiving and it hints at a boring match-up

After the scoreless tie between the USMNT and Mexico, the United States is left with two more points than Mexico in the hexagonal. While Mexico is still undefeated under their current manager, they have only managed to tie throughout the 2013 year. The tie is obviously an advantage for Klinsmann and company, as they still remain undefeated against Mexico in the German's era as the USMNT manager. The next match between the two squads will take place at the Columbus Crew stadium in Ohio for another World Cup qualifier. Although the score is deceiving and it hints at a boring match-up, the game was full of action but the defense proved to be too strong by both sides.

Below lie the pros and cons of the game between two of the greatest CONCACAF rivals that have ever faced each other.

Pros: 1. The first pro of the game was the respect that both crowds showed during the national anthems. Mexico's manager, Chepo' de la Torre, had asked fans not to boo during the U.S. national anthem and a banner at the center of the Azteca read, "Please show that we are well-mannered by showing respect for the opponent's national anthem." Of course there were still those drunk ones who couldn't help their whistling but overall, it's been a much better experience during the anthems than the past encounters. (Honduras did not respect Mexico's anthem in their tie.)

2. The Azteca Stadium was bursting at the seams with an attendance of over 110,000 people. The combined and synchronized "Ole!" chants that the fans shouted was reminiscent of an orchestra directed by the best of the best. However, the 'tiki-taka' of the Mexican squad didn't work against a USMNT side that stood their ground at all times.

3. Diego Reyes was by far the man of the match for Mexico. The young defender replaced 'Maza' Rodriguez in the back line and proved that he is capable to take over the position from now on. Reyes plays for Club America of Liga MX and was named the Rookie of the Year just a year ago, right before going on to win the 2012 Olympics with Mexico.

4. DaMarcus Beasley did his part for the USMNT, stopping plays at the half and recovering balls after they had surpassed the 3/4 mark of the field. Beasley plays in Puebla of the Liga MX so it is obvious that he was called up to the United States' selection for his experience with Mexican soccer. Like in their last match against Costa Rica, Beasley once again proved that he still belongs in the starting XI of the U.S. squad.

5. With this tie, the rivalry between the two squads is only increasing and becoming more intense. The tie gives room for their next match in Ohio to be a thriller, since the United States will now have the home field advantage. This is only the second draw that the United States has been able to accomplish in a WCQ at Mexico, losing the rest of their away matches.

Cons: 1. The first con of the match was that fans still do the "Pü†0" chant every time that the opponent's keeper kicks the ball. The chant was cute the first 100 games but now it's overused; we hear it in every stadium now, little kids do it and I even hear it if Mexico isn't playing. (I've been to an LA Galaxy game at the Home Depot Center and their fans did it.)

2. Another con in the match was that the two squads have way too much respect for each other. The respect turns to fear on the field and both teams become scared of attacking because they are afraid of leaving any open spaces in the back. This paves the way for an extremely boring match-up.

3. This con goes hand-in-hand with con number two; no goals! There is nothing worse in soccer than a tie but a scoreless tie is just a deadly sin in the soccer bible.

4. Since the first few minutes of the match, we saw a Mexican side that would throw themselves down to the floor whenever any contact was felt from the opponent. Even if they could carry on with the play, they would prefer to stop the play and take the foul. This slowed the pace of the game and prevented Mexico's counter-attacks from being accomplished. Chicharito was the winner of the diving medal since he threw himself to the ground over a handful of times throughout the match.

5. The final and worst con of the entire game was that both teams (including the managers) were being too careful. They put the 2014 Brazil qualification aside and only played for the "CONCACAF Clasico". This lack of attacking action by both teams prevented any excitement in the front but both goalkeepers also did their part to keep their goal clean from any goals.

*Original article at soccerly.com

Editorial@sandiegored.com

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