Mexico

Goal.commentary: Aug. 12 Game Means More For Mexico

Goal.com's Andrea Martinez says that while beating the U.S. would be nice, taking three points and boosting their World Cup qualifying campaign is what matters most for Mexico.

Aug 10, 2009 9:03:01 PM

More On : Mexico

By Andrea Martinez

Only a few days remain until the anticipated clash between CONCACAF rivals Mexico and the United States. Perhaps more than ever both squads are on level terms. Both have a certain spring in their step after accomplishments during the summer, and either team can most certainly take the three points at the Azteca..

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But the game is more important for El Tri.

First of all, there’s qualifying. Mexico’s start to World Cup qualifying has been less than perfect. So far, out of the first five games Mexico has lost three (all of them away) and won two (the ones played at home). Not only was the team outplayed in the losses, but they also lost by a margin of two goals, save for one game.

Although dropping a point would not mean an absolute absence from the World Cup in South Africa, it would put participation in danger. However, going into a playoff for a place in the tournament would mean playing against a team from CONMEBOL.

Possible opponents could be either Ecuador or Argentina, the second being the one to avoid. Playing South American competition, especially a team like Argentina, for a spot in South Africa would be reaching, and possibly falling to hard. It’s necessary for Mexico to win the three points and avoid going down a more difficult road.

The Gold Cup win was no mistake. The 5-0 thrashing against the US was perhaps a too flamboyant showing but the game, whether it had been 1-0 or 9-0, was well deserved. Leading up to the final the players looked more comfortable, and confidence looked to be rising for most with every passing game. El Tri started out with some difficulty and was shaky in some parts, but the team started to play with cohesion. Confidence is back because the team truly improved, and not because their heads were inflated after a half decent performance.

Their next opponent on the list after the final happened to be the United States once more, but even if it had been someone else the need to win the three points would be just as important. They need to show that winning was not just an end-of-the-road thing. There was real improvement and by winning, Mexico would keep their momentum going en route through the qualifiers and through next year.

Winning on August 12th is important to both teams participating in the match at the Azteca. Whoever takes away the points will not only help the team down the road, but it will also give bragging rights. However, a victory is more important to Mexico because it would ease tensions about qualifying for the World Cup, and push the team further.

Andrea Martinez covers Mexican soccer for Goal.com.

For more coverage of Mexican soccer, visit Goal.com's Mexico section.

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