Sunday night’s World Cup qualifying duel between the US and Mexico was a highly-anticipated showdown, as the CONCACAF Hexagonal round reaches its crunch stage. TheAOSN’s Alexandro Zatarain and Derek Tang provide some analysis of the match, which ended with honors even in a 1-1 draw.
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Alexandro’s Take
The United States Men’s National Team walked into Estadio Azteca with one goal in mind: leave with at least one point.
They did just that, ending the game in a draw against Mexico in their final head-to-head of the World Cup Qualifying hexagonal round.
For the US
Although many scoff at the fact the US players celebrated after the final whistle, it was much deserved. Bruce Arena’s 5-4-1 formation did a few things to warrant a sigh of relief from the American side.
First, it offset Mexico’s attack, which was led by Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez, and Hirving Lozano. Mexico struggled to create clean opportunities because of how condensed the American back line was.
Second, the US has always (at least in my lifetime) been a counter-attacking team. Setting Bobby Wood up front and Christian Pulisic to his left kept Mexico’s defense honest. This would essentially set up a defensive game for both sides.
Geoff Cameron anchored the American defense, killing any moves that could have developed into scoring chances for Mexico.
https://twitter.com/JogaBonitoUSA/status/874104268382515201
Although the US had very little possession at 26%, they made sure they capitalized, finishing with seven shots and two on goal. Overall, they turned in a patient and strong performance to secure a point in Mexico City.
For Mexico
Mexico left a lot to be desired after this game but it’s difficult when opportunities were scarce.
Giving up the sixth minute goal to Michael Bradley came through both a mental lapse by Hernandez and a great play by the American midfielder. The goal was a thing of beauty, sailing out of the reach of Guillermo Ochoa and silencing the Mexican contingent.
Mexico essentially locked down after the early mistake.
Although they dominated with 74% possession, opportunities did not precipitate as often as many expected. The midfield was lackluster and attempts to get in the box were usually unsuccessful.
https://twitter.com/JogaBonitoUSA/status/874103300467109888
Rafael Marquez, Miguel Layun, Andres Guardado and Jesus Corona were all out, which could have contributed to the lack of opportunities. Nonetheless, it does not excuse the lack of production by this side.
Overall
The biggest surprise of the (pre)game came when Tim Howard was not in the starting XI for the USMNT. Although one can’t complain with Brad Guzan’s performance, the gravity of this match-up had many believing Howard would be on the pitch.
Even with this move, it did not affect the outcome of this game. The USMNT look a lot more confident and poised since the return of Arena . Pulisic promised three points but I’m sure he’s more than happy with the draw.
Although the game was not the offensive display many hoped for, it was a tactically enjoyable game to watch.
After six games, Mexico still has a very clear path at the top of the hex with 14 points. At this point during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, El Tri had 8 points. The United States sits at 8 points but is in third.
Derek’s Take
My friend Alexandro did a wonderful job of breaking down the chess match between Arena and Juan Carlos Osorio. What I will touch on is more from a “Big Picture” perspective following the draw.
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The bottom line is Arena rolled the dice on some eyebrow-raising changes, and they worked out fine for the US. Dropping Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore for Kellyn Acosta and Paul Arriola seemed like sheer insanity, for starters. In hindsight, the latter two both play in Liga MX, and their familiarity with the setting came in handy.
Pragmatism rules the day
Aesthetically, this match was by no means a crowd pleaser. Even the Mexican fans were mute for most of the second half. In fact, with about 5 minutes left to play, pockets of empty sections were visible in the Azteca. This was a sight previously unseen in recent matches involving these two neighbors, much less at a World Cup qualifier.
Arena’s goal was clear: this wasn’t so much a “must-win” for the US. It was a “Do not lose” scenario heading into the final World Cup qualifying stretch.
The US could still find itself out of the automatic qualifying spots by the end of play Tuesday night. That said, their two toughest road fixtures in the Hexagonal are now out of the way.
As for Mexico, it’s no surprise they did not look their usual selves, what with the missing starters. Guardado and Marquez especially always seem to find an extra gear when facing the US, and it’s no coincidence that without them, Mexico seem to lack a spark all night.
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The intensity was there early, but once Vela equalized, the emotion seemed to drain from the match. What usually plays out as one of the more passionate rivalries on the pitch turned into workmanlike performances from both.