The Mexico vs United States (Estados Unidos – USMNT) international friendly will be played this Wednesday, April 2, 2014 (8:00 PM Pacific) at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona. Although this friendly does not land on a FIFA Match Day, which means neither side will have their best squad, the rivalry between both teams has the potential of leading to a wonderful game.
The Mexican and USA national teams will only use players in the Liga MX and MLS respectively, in which both managers will analyze their squads with eyes towards the final Brazil 2014 World Cup roster next May. Knowing that this game will be the last opportunity for many players to demonstrate their capacity prior to May’s final roster call-up, both sides will play aggressively, and in a rhythm unknown to a ‘friendly’ game. The pressure to impress their coaches, plus the rivalry between both teams, will lead Mexico and the USMNT to play a high-quality match.
The team coached by Miguel ‘Piojo’ Herrera has several new faces for the game in Glendale. Players like Jesus Zavala or Alan Pulido had previously been called-up, however, these are players which will fight for one of the remaining World Cup rosters seats, therefore it will be important to keep an eye on them this Wednesday. Rogelio Chavez and Marco Fabian from Cruz Azul were included for the first time under Piojo Herrera, therefore, both will also have to show their case to earn a World Cup place.
The USMNT was involved in some controversy during the week after coach Jurgen Klinsmann expressed his frustration after Puebla from the Liga MX denied players DaMarcus Beasley and Michael Orozco from travelling to the mid-week friendly. Although a non-FIFA Match Day means teams are not obligated to release their players, Klinsmann saw this as a low-hit from the Mexican club considering this will be his last chance to see Beasley and Orozco in game action.
Related: USMNT Roster Against Mexico
Wednesday’s match has raised a lot of interest from both sides of the border, as it will be the first time they face each other since the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers when the USMNT won 2-0. The great rivalry has also been exploited by the media and fans alike as Graham Zusi‘s game-tying goal against Panama in the final minutes of qualifiers has yet to be forgotten. In that incident, Zusi’s header allowed Mexico to reach the playoff against New Zealand 10 minutes before ‘El Tri’ was about to face a surprising World Cup eilimination.
Mexico vs USA Prediction
The Mexico vs USA international game will be an exciting and intense match which has more than a “friendly” on the line. Not only does neither side want to lose to their biggest rival, but many players on each team will have their last opportunity to impress their coach prior to the final World Cup roster call-up in late May. Considering the pressure all players on the field will face, this game will be fast paced, although both defenses will be significant to what will be a low scoring game.
The United States will be without Beasley and Orozco, however, they will play with many names which will be in Brazil next June. Look for Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Michael Bradley to be game changers on the attacking front.
As for Mexico, they will be without their best Liga MX player, forward Oribe Peralta, who asked for permission to miss the game for personal reasons. That means that Piojo Herrera will be shorthanded on the front-line as he will only count with two young forwards like Alan Pulido and Raul Jimenez. Nonetheless, Mexico’s biggest strenght will be in their attacking midfield which will start with Carlos Peña, Isaac Brizuela, and Marco Fabian.
The Mexico vs USMNT match will be a low scoring game, between two sides who will play intensely, and in a good form. The match will end in a tie, and both sides will leave satisfied with a 1-1 score.
Mexico vs USA TV Schedule
The Mexico vs USA international friendly will be televised on ESPN, UniMas, and Univision Deportes at 8:00 PM Pacific. The game will also be streamed online at UnivisionDeportes.com.
Mexico vs USA Highlights
The Mexico vs USA video highlights will be uploaded soon after the end of the game.
