On Saturday night, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the United States Men’s National Team will take on the Mexico National Team as the winner will book their place in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.

In this past summer’s edition of the Gold Cup, the two nations went in opposite directions, in term of achievement. The United States failed to reach the semi-finals as they were knocked out of the eventual finalists, Jamaica after two first-half goals were conceded. Then in the third place game, Panama defeated them on penalties.

Mexico, on the other hand, reached the finals and went on to lift their third in six years, defeating the aforementioned nation 3-1 with goals coming from Andres Guardado, Jesus Corona, and Oribe Peralta.

Leading up to this final, it is Mexico who has had the better form, drawing Argentina in their last match but could have come away with a victory had they not given up two goals in the last few minutes. Before that though, against a side that they really should have beaten easily, drew 3-3 with Trinidad and Tobago; meaning that their defense needs some improvement before tomorrow night.

The United States are spinning into a downward spiral at the moment. After finishing in fourth in this past summers tournament, the national team went down to Peru and came away with a two to one victory. However, last time out against Brazil; they got pummeled, giving up four goals in another losing effort.

Because of the USA’s recent struggles, Jurgen Klinsmann has been under severe scrutiny with many in the media suggesting that if he does not win this match, he will be out of a job. This may be somewhat unwarranted as his side has had a pretty good calendar year, beating the Netherlands 3-4 and followed that up by defeating World Cup Champions, Germany, in Germany.

USA and Mexico have met five times since August of 2012 and the Yanks have the upper hand, winning three of the five meetings with the other two ending in draws. Two of these matches ended with the famous 2-0 score line.

The last time El Tri defeated their rivals was all the way back in 2011, when they won at this same venue in the Gold Cup final, winning 2-4; Pablo Barrera scored twice with Andres Guardado and Giovani dos Santos getting the other two goals.

16 of the 23 man roster for the United States were a part of the 2014 World Cup squad which will give the side much needed experience for this affair. For Mexico, LA Galaxy star forward and a vital piece in his nation’s starting eleven, Giovani dos Santos, will be out with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Guardado and Rafa Marquez are hopeful to play, but are recovering from minor knocks. 

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