BarraBrava99 12 Report Share Posted March 25, 2005 Posted on www.mlsnet.com 03/24/2005 2:12PM The Clean Sheet: Azteca two step By Tino Palace / Special to MLSnet.com The No. 1 film at the box office last weekend was a horror flick called "The Ring Two." Being a little squeamish, I have seen neither the sequel nor the original, but understand the plots have to do with a videotape that if watched, leaves you, um, dead. And you thought watching Sylvester Stallone giving boxing tips on "The Contender" was the most painful viewing experience possible. This week, it seems fitting that a movie designed to leave you quaking in your boots has swept the nation, because nerves seem to be the order of the day for the build up to the big U.S.-Mexico game Sunday at Estadio Azteca. It was not that long ago when a U.S. national team heading to the lovely air of Mexico City would be the petrified party. Alas, this time it is not the visitors who seem to be dreading the match, despite having never beaten Mexico south of the 2-0 parallel. Instead it is the home side that seems to be the nervous lot, which is exactly why I am predicting the U.S. boys will do the unthinkable and not just score a goal, and not just get a result -- but will actually win at the Azteca. The only downside (and I hate to say it): the game really doesn't mean as much to the USA. But for Mexico's coach Ricardo Lavolpe, he may be dusting off the resume by Monday afternoon. We'll come back to this. So why will the Yanks win? For one thing, probably for the first time ever, you get the feeling this team actually believes not only that it can win, but it will. This is a team stacked with talented veterans (welcome back, Claudio) who know what it takes to play on this stage, and hungry youngsters (Eddie Johnson, mucho gusto) falling over themselves to prove they are ready for the next level. Even The Bruce, always guarded when speaking to the media, used the word "swagger" this week to describe the culture of his side. This is a confident bunch, and rightfully so -- they just don't lose much anymore. If you want the numbers, they haven't lost in their last 16 games. Their CONCACAF streak is even more impressive, as the Arena-men are undefeated in their last 31 matches against regional opponents. Furthermore, and it seems strange but go ahead and say it out loud, the U.S. gang owns Mexico this decade, posting a 6-1-1 record against their border rivals. But for me one of the most important keys: the game just doesn't mean that much to the Yanks from a qualifying standpoint. With the big away win on Matchday One, the U.S. bought themselves some serious breathing room, as they are guaranteed three points from the first two away matches -- a fantastic start no matter what happens Sunday. Any points this weekend are pure gravy. Translation: they can go out and try to win the game without the pressure of being damaged by a loss. Overall, the only harm this weekend could come from things thrown by the friendly fans at the Azteca. Landon, you may want to consider playing in a motorcycle helmet. On the other side of the ball, I am not the first one to write of a sense of nervousness about the build up from the Mexicans. Much has been noted about Lavolpe not only calling in all the big guns, but refusing to release anyone for Copa Libertadores. The Mexican fans and the media alike just seem sick of the notion that they are gradually becoming second fiddle to the Americans in the region. The 2-0 loss to the U.S. on football's grandest stage in 2002 has left its mark, and anything short of a win at Azteca Sunday will rub salt in that wound that may spell the beginning of the end for Lavolpe. So to review, take a streaking and confident road team with nothing to lose who wants to win where they never have before, and match then up against a home side needing a result to quiet the masses. You do the math. Now I don't want to detract from the importance of the match by saying the result is not the end of the world for the USA. In fact, the media up here would seem to disagree, as the lead-up to the match should be great, ranging from a big Sports Illustrated preview to an ESPN "Outside the Lines" special. In fact, on paper it looks huge. The two super powers of the region continuing one of international football's burgeoning rivalries in a rematch of the landmark World Cup showdown. Both teams in the top 10 of FIFA's all-important world rankings (which this month I understand were selected by the jury from the Robert Blake trial). But at the end of the day, if the Yanks lay a big Easter egg on Sunday, they just head to Birmingham, Ala., take care of business against Guatemala, and have six points from their first three matches. In other words, The Bruce will still have his lads tasting the schnitzel in 2006 no matter what happens Sunday. So with all of the above, the stage is set for a historic U.S. win on Sunday, and I for one believe it is going to happen. In fact, 2-0 sounds about right. And to our friends from down south, that would be downright scary. The Clean Sheet runs each Thursday on MLSnet. Views and opinions expressed in this column views and opinions are the author's, and not necessarily those of Major League Soccer or its clubs. Send any questions and comments to tcsresponses@yahoo.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekick 11 Report Share Posted March 27, 2005 This match is on now on ESPN2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekick 11 Report Share Posted March 27, 2005 30:02 USA-0 Mexico-1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekick 11 Report Share Posted March 27, 2005 32:47 USA-0 Mexico-2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekick 11 Report Share Posted March 27, 2005 Halftime 0-2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekick 11 Report Share Posted March 27, 2005 58:01 USA-1 Mexico-2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekick 11 Report Share Posted March 27, 2005 Final USA-1 Mexico-2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDove 10 Report Share Posted March 27, 2005 Who scored for USA i'm at work and couldn't watch... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekick 11 Report Share Posted March 27, 2005 Eddie Lewis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDove 10 Report Share Posted March 27, 2005 k thanx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legend11 32 Report Share Posted March 28, 2005 I am thoroughly disappointed in the performance of the Americans today. They never looked like they got into the game. Yeah, there was a lot of smog and altitude, but that is no excuse. I really think that this was our chance to prove to the world that we can go anywhere and win but it seemed like the boys didn't even care. Very, very disappointing showing by the National Team. Oh well, I guess Galax is happy, lol, just kidding. I hope I didn't offend anybody!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarraBrava99 12 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2005 boy you said it. there were only a few instances in which the USA actually looked good in the match. scratch that, there were only a few instances in which the USA actually looked like they cared!!! tackles were sloppy as were the passes, and they way the US somtimes put the ball into the air when we had possession reminded me of u-10 team! *sigh* well, we have guatemala next. they better win this one b/c i'm actually going to be there ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blues_82 10 Report Share Posted March 28, 2005 wow...wheres this one played at? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarraBrava99 12 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2005 [ QUOTE ] wow...wheres this one played at? [/ QUOTE ] where's what one played at? if you mean the USA/Mexico game we're talking about, it was at mexico. anyway, i forgot, we have to look at it this way: we're the only team in CONCACAF that started this round of qualifying with 2 away matches. the bottom line is we have 3 points from those 2 matches and that's excellent... i still had hoped for better than the 2-1 result, though. Mexico still has to come here and play! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blues_82 10 Report Share Posted March 28, 2005 no where are u going to the guatemala game at? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarraBrava99 12 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2005 Oh! sorry bud. it's our first home world cup qualifier, and it's at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. I'm leaving Wednesday morning with a friend and then coming back after it's over. it's going to be rough, but it will be worth it! I think from here to there is approximately 6 hours or so. it'll be like a trip to myrtle beach, but in the wrong direction... ignore this. i'm tired. by the way, that reminds me: HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE AND GOD BLESS!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blues_82 10 Report Share Posted March 28, 2005 haha sweet...id love to go to summin like that...where can u get tix, ticketmaster? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarraBrava99 12 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2005 yeah, as far as i know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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