Americans everywhere, even a few of the 90 percent who don't care about soccer, were captivated by the United States' run to the final of the Confederations Cup a little over a month ago.
The US advanced to the semi-finals out of Group B, ahead of the defending World Cup champions (Italy), then shocked the #1 ranked team in the world (Spain), and then led Brazil 2-0 at halftime in the final before a heart-wrenching second half collapse sent the Americans home with silver medals.
Last month, the US rolled to the final of the Gold Cup (The regional championship for North and Central America) before getting smashed by Mexico, 5-0, in the championship match. To be fair, the Americans used few of their regulars at any point in that competition, and the line-up was full of reserves for the final with Mexico.
Now, with a summer of great surprising successes and painful what-could-have-beens behind them, the United States men's national team (ranked 12th in the world) turns its full attention to the remaining five games in their qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup. Halfway through the final round of qualifying, here is how the standings look:
(top 3 teams advance to the World Cup automatically, 4th place team will have a play-off with the 5th place team in South America - currently Ecuador - and the winner will qualify)
1. Costa Rica: 4-1-0, 12 points
2. United States: 3-1-1, 10 points
3. Honduras: 2-2-1, 7 points
4. Mexico: 2-3-0, 6 points
5. El Salvador: 1-2-2, 5 points
6. Trinidad & Tobago: 0-3-2, 2 points
Costa Rica has been the surprise of the final round, and they are quickly moving towards being a lock for South Africa 2010. The United States has been inconsistent so far, but after how well they played this summer, it's hard to imagine they will fall short of qualification. Mexico, long considered the best team in the region on the international stage, has struggled, particularly away from home, where they are 0-3 and have been outscored 2-7.
So when the United States travels to Mexico City next week (August 12), there will be plenty riding on the line.
For the United States, who are 0-18-1 all time in Mexico City, there is the chance to finally win a game on the road against their biggest rivals. With the way Mexico has been playing lately, this might be the best chance the US will ever have to steal three points from Estadio Azteca.
A loss would not be all that harmful (or particularly unexpected) to the United States' World Cup hopes, provided they don't stumble through the four games that follow, but a victory in Mexico would have major ramifications.
First, and most importantly, it would move the US one step closer to qualification for the World Cup.
Second, it would put Mexico in serious jeopardy of missing out on the World Cup for the first time since 1982. After the game with the Americans, Mexico has to go on the road to play group-leaders Costa Rica, and its not difficult to imagine Mexico losing that game as well. Wednesday could be the beginning of the end for Mexico if the US can get the win.
Third, it would help settle the debate about which team (Mexico or the United States) is the best in the CONCACAF region. Though the US has consistently beaten Mexico at home over the past decade, their inability to win in Mexico gives the perception that the red, white, and blue are still the second-class citizens of the region. If they can finally break through in Mexico City, on the heels of that fantastic showing at the Confederations Cup, the world's opinion may be changed for good.
The bigger question still remains: Is the United States finally ready to be considered a legitimate contender for the World Cup? On Wednesday, the US will have all their big names in Mexico City, and if this team can use the momentum and confidence they have gained from their games this summer, this match could go a long way towards answering that question.
-Eric
www.WeAreTheHecklers.com
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