World Cup qualifier: United States vs. Mexico
The United States recently made history at the Confederations Cup, but can the Americans really accomplish something unprecedented in today’s World Cup qualifier in Mexico City?
With a confident first-team squad on hand, the Americans feel very strongly that Wednesday is their chance to break their 0-18-1 run in the 105,000-plus capacity Estadio Azteca stadium that dates back to 1937.
Playing in Azteca is about as harrowing an experience as there is in soccer anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. The high altitude is something the Americans aren’t used to. Add in 110,000 fans and possibly the worst air quality in the world, and, well, you can see why Mexico rarely loses at home – to anyone.
“For one, the flight of the ball is different,” American Landon Donovan said of the 7,200-foot elevation. “A ball that you might think you’re going to get your head on a lot of times goes over your head.”
The Mexicans, who are -120 favorites on WagerWeb.com, moved this game from the evening to 4 p.m. ET to get an even bigger advantage with the heat and humidity. Team USA has been practicing in Miami to try and adapt, but while Miami might be as hot and humid, it’s at sea level.
In four decades, Mexico has lost only one World Cup qualifying match at Azteca — to Costa Rica in 2001.
Bob Bradley, the coach of the United States (which is +270 on WagerWeb.com), will be making his first trip to Azteca. Only four current American players have played there: Landon Donovan, Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundolo.
Mexico was 0-9-2 against the United States in the last 11 matches not played at Azteca until it crushed a team of American reserves 5-0 in the Gold Cup tournament final July 26 at Giants Stadium.
But the U.S. gained new international respect with a victory over Spain, then the world’s No. 1 team, and an encouraging showing against Brazil in the final of the recent Confederations Cup. Meanwhile, Mexico has slumped to 30th in the world — its second-lowest rating ever.
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