|
|
Howard And Bradley: Azteca Motivation Enough
The U.S. goalkeeper and coach brushed aside bold predictions from the Mexico camp, saying that the occasion is big enough motivation.
Aug 10, 2009 8:56:59 PM
Andres Guardado has predicted a 3-0 win over the visiting United States when Mexico continues its World Cup qualifying campaign on Wednesday. U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard wasn't lured into a war of words with the talented winger when asked about it during a conference call on Monday.
“That’s for him to worry about, he’s the one who said it, not any of us,” Howard said. “No one can predict the score line, so we’ll see what happens.”
Howard won't be using the comments as added inspiration either. With a match as big as USA - Mexico, the players will have all the motivation they need without needing to be distracted by side motives, he says.
“I don’t think we need any extra motivation for the game,” Howard asserted. “We know what’s at stake, and our goal is to qualify for the World Cup and do it as quickly as possible. So any of the extra stuff is just that, it’s not something we’re going to rely on to motivate us. We have what we need within our team.”
One of the motivations, aside from moving closer to World Cup qualification, is the possibility of becoming the first U.S. team to win in Azteca. Mexico hadn't won on American soil for a decade before trouncing the U.S. 5-0 in the Gold Cup final this summer. As big as that blowout was, the American team winning in Azteca would have far more historical significance.
“Yeah, it would be special, no question,” mused U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. “We know the history, we’re well aware of it, which makes the challenge that much more special. Come Wednesday night, we’ll hopefully be up for that challenge. We’re excited about it and if the result goes our way, that’d be a great thing.”
Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
Will you be there when history is made? Get U.S.-Mexico Azteca tickets now.
“That’s for him to worry about, he’s the one who said it, not any of us,” Howard said. “No one can predict the score line, so we’ll see what happens.”
Howard won't be using the comments as added inspiration either. With a match as big as USA - Mexico, the players will have all the motivation they need without needing to be distracted by side motives, he says.
“I don’t think we need any extra motivation for the game,” Howard asserted. “We know what’s at stake, and our goal is to qualify for the World Cup and do it as quickly as possible. So any of the extra stuff is just that, it’s not something we’re going to rely on to motivate us. We have what we need within our team.”
One of the motivations, aside from moving closer to World Cup qualification, is the possibility of becoming the first U.S. team to win in Azteca. Mexico hadn't won on American soil for a decade before trouncing the U.S. 5-0 in the Gold Cup final this summer. As big as that blowout was, the American team winning in Azteca would have far more historical significance.
“Yeah, it would be special, no question,” mused U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. “We know the history, we’re well aware of it, which makes the challenge that much more special. Come Wednesday night, we’ll hopefully be up for that challenge. We’re excited about it and if the result goes our way, that’d be a great thing.”
Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
Will you be there when history is made? Get U.S.-Mexico Azteca tickets now.
Make Your Prediction
USA - Antigua and Barbuda
USA
Antigua and Barbuda
Prediction Submitted
Most Popular Predictions
-
USA 8-0 Antigua and Barbuda
- 14.29 %
-
USA 4-0 Antigua and Barbuda
- 12.86 %
-
USA 5-0 Antigua and Barbuda
- 12.86 %
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.