Daunting Task For the USA

The US will take on Mexico in World Cup qualifying action on Wednesday. This rivalry is the best in the CONCACAF region. The US has dominated Mexico in recent years on American soil, but in Mexico it has been just the opposite. The USA have never won in Mexico. In fact they have only ever picked up one point on Mexican soil, to go along with 22 losses. If the US can end the Mexican jinx, it will be by far one of their best ever results. The Azteca Stadium, where the match will be played, posses a variety of difficult obstacles. For one, the capacity of the stadium is a massive 105,000. The presence of that incredible number of loud and rabid fans is intimidating enough. The location of the stadium is also very troublesome for visitors. Azteca is 7,200 feet above the ground. The Mexican players have much more experience with this altitude, as they live and train there. However, for visiting players playing at this altitude is incredibly difficult. Their lungs are not prepared for this situation and they get worn out fast. The advantages of Azteca's location does not stop there. Mexico City is very polluted and the smog just hangs over the city. The pollution plus the altitude make it very difficult to breathe, let alone win a soccer game. These factors give Mexico one of the biggest home field advantages in sports. In fact, Mexico have only ever lost one game in the Azteca. 

Another thing that makes this match very interesting is that both teams are seeking revenge. The USA took down Mexico 2-0 earlier this year in qualifying. Mexico are looking to avenge that loss and keep up their record against the US at home. The US was just obliterated by the Mexicans in the Gold Cup 5-0. That loss is surely hanging over the US players, as they were embarrassed the last time they faced them. The US has probably their best ever chance of beating Mexico in the Azteca. However, I don't think they have enough. The conditions are just too tough in Azteca. The US can not properly prepare for the obstacles they will face and as a result will probably go down to defeat. I predict Mexico to take this one 2-0.