Keys to USMNT vs Mexico

It is no surprise that USA - Mexico is one of the biggest matches in qualifying once again. Fans and players alike always get fired up for this contest. With Mexico coming off a disastrous loss to Honduras at home and the US dropping a much hyped game to Costa Rica, both teams come into tonight's matchup desperate for a win.

Why?

Why are the US desperate for a win? Why are the US one Jermaine Jones turnover away from the panic button? I can understand why Mexico is sweating bullets, sitting precariously close to the bubble with only 3 games remaining. The truth is, the USMNT has never won a WCQ game in Costa Rica.... So it should not come as a shock that they lost on Friday. Mexico has had major problems winning ( even scoring) at home this year, something that is shocking. The USMNT also have a healthy 23-0-1 record at home for qualifying matches, which reminds us that the result in Costa Rica should not have been surprising.

What needs to be done.

The game tonight has a very uncertain air about it. Both teams are portrayed as wounded animals coming off horrific loses. We have already mentioned that although the US had an abominable first 15 minutes in Costa Rica, the result was not necessarily a deviation from the norm. Mexico is a wounded animal, and have every opportunity to drag the US down with them if the ball bounces a certain way tonight.

Weather the Storm

Mexico might just shock everyone and come out firing. Fast pace passing and running off the ball could prove to be too much for a beleaguered US back line. If the US can withstand early pressure and a full onslaught from the start, the back line will be much more poised going into the remainder of the game. If the US concedes early, panic might prove costly.

Score First

Simple right? Score first and take Mexico down a notch. Instill doubt, make them question decisions, and basically hit them where it hurts. Mexico might say all the right things leading up to the game and regarding their new coach, but if they fail to draw first blood..... On the flip side, going down a goal at home (especially if it is early) could have a domino effect on the US. Imagine the uproar if the US comes out flat like they did against Costa Rica... There will be more than a few pits in stomachs if the US concede first.

Slow the game down.

I would love to see the USMNT have Beckerman hold up play and distribute out of the back, hold off Beasley from making runs until late in the half, and give Jones a compass. If the US can control possession and tempo, Mexico will have to chase the ball and may just become stretched enough late in the half for the US to spring Beasley up the flank for some solid service into the box. Until then allow Donovan and Dempsey to work the ball in the final third.

USA 2 - 1 Mexico 

Yes the USMNT is without Bradley, Altidore, Besler, and Cameron, that is fine. Do not forget that since Jurgen Klinnsman has taken over the team, depth has been a huge focus. Time for players that have been waiting in the wings to step up. The Gold Cup was a proving ground for some of these players, now it is time to shine on the big stage. Columbus has been a bastion for the US national team, time to protect the fort.