CONCACAF Hexagonal: Mexico vs USA Key Battles at the Azteca
The CONCACAF Hexagonal battle is heating up and will hit a boil on Tuesday as the United States takes on Mexico. Numerous of fierce battles have encapsulated these two national teams throughout the years and Tuesday night will be no different.
As the Hex continues to separate the weak from the strong a victory could potentially vault one of the teams into a pole position to World Cup 2014 qualification while a loss could possibly place a damper on qualification. And one thing is for certain - there will be no snow on the pitch at the Azteca in Mexico City.
LA Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez may have a field day with the onrushing Javier Aquino on Tuesday night as the midfielder/forward enjoys entering the attack from wide positions thus resulting in what has been excellent service for both club and country. As Chicharito lurks in the box, the Mexican youngster could tear the American defense apart. Gonzalez could play a key role however, as he has proven he can defend tidily as well as attack with real venom.
The 25-year-old Villarreal could ask plenty of questions of the United States back-line on Tuesday as Aquino has so much pace that the Klinsmann’s entire defensive unit must be aware of this opponent. If Gonzalez can successfully disallow any real clear-cut chances in Guzan’s penalty area the United States may just see three points coming their way.
DaMarcus Beasley may be called upon once again at the left-back position and this time face a very skillful Javier Hernandez. The once-midfielder to now converted defender of Beasley could likely face a daunting task of marking the Manchester United man on Tuesday. For the United States, the 30-year-old provides stability in a fairly youthful back-line in front of Tim Howard’s current replacement, Brad Guzan.
The veteran played well in Denver against Costa Rica; however, playing in an environment like the Azteca and facing a task of marking Chicharito could be quite compelling. The Mexican international loves to drift wide with the ball before making darting runs into the box where he makes himself known as both an aerial threat and lethal from both feet.
Mexican midfielder Carlos Salcido may have to place a focused eye on Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Clint Dempsey as he has proven time and time again that he can be a game-changer on both a domestic and international level. Salcido may be forced to take on a more defensive stance if the 30-year-old can muster up the strength to power the United States attack.
Since Landon Donovan is not present as of yet to provide the scoring punch for the American’s, Dempsey could likely carry the attack. As the rivalry between neighbors continues to escalate with every match, the Americans will look to create additional space in the middle of the pitch amidst a very hostile yet spirited Azteca crowd.
The Tottenham midfielder is quite comfortable featuring behind the lone striker whether it be Herculez Gomez or Jozy Altidore where he seems to find plenty of pockets of space to maneuver his dribbling magic.
If Salcido and company can shut down Dempsey - the United States may be in for a long night. Indeed, the Americans seen to have mounting options in their starting XI; however, no real goal-scoring threat has emerged from the bunch other than the reliable former Fulham man. El Tri are going to come into this match with revenge on their minds as the United States won the last meeting in an international friendly.
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