Friendly? Yeah, right! One of the most important matches in today’s international fixture date is the Mexico vs. US game. This “friendly” will be anything but friendly, it will be more like an epic battle between the two North American giants. Expect shoving, fighting, and intense soccer. They’re not playing for a trophy or a spot in the World Cup; they are playing for pride.
So why so much beef? You ask. Well, as of recent the American side has been considered the better team in the CONCACAF region (I’m talking about the last decade, not this past Gold Cup). Historically soccer is the only sport which Mexicans have dominated over Americans. El Tri was used to being the only noteworthy team in the region; sharing the spotlight with the American side is not something they have assimilated to. I’m not saying that the ill will is one sided, because the Yanks dislike the Mexican team just as much as the Mexicans dislike the Yanks. The American team, in trying to make a name for themselves, have further fueled the rivalry.
Enmity between these two teams has culminated into many violent confrontations on the pitch. Who can forget Rafa Marquez’ two infamous red cards against the Yanks, one for a head butt to Cobi Jones in the 2002 and the other for a flying kick to Tim Howard in 2009. What about the Landon Donavan “watering the grass” incident over at Estadio Jalisco. Or Gerardo Torrado choking out Benny Feilhaber after a fight broke out between the two teams at Estadio Azteca, and most recently Jermaine Jones trying to provoke Javier Hernandez at the Gold Cup final. When asked about the rivalry players from both teams are very candid and express their dislike of one another. There is definitely a lack of mutual respect.
The rivalry is something that both players and supporters revel in. When a game is played with an overwhelming Mexican home team advantage the American national anthem cannot be heard over the booing. There has been a mutual burning of flags from both team’s supporters. The crowds throw objects at each other and at the players. A multitude of police officers are always essential.
Putting aside the tasteless antics between both teams and supporters the rivalry is a driving force for better soccer to be played. The Yanks and El Tri know that there is a lot at stake each time they play one another. Whether it’s a World Cup qualifier, a Gold cup final, or an international friendly; regional dominance is always at stake. Both teams play with pride and will do anything to win. The added incentive of not only beating but humiliating your rival makes for a superior level of play. Both the Yanks and El Tri want to be best team in the CONCACAF region. The CONCACAF region is often overlooked by the rest of the soccer world, so being the greatest team in the CONCACAF region is kind of like being the only team in the region.
Overall Mexico is still in the lead with a record of 33-15-11. Mexico has also won the last three face-offs which included a 2-1 World Cup qualifier at Azteca and a 4-2 Gold Cup final at the Rose Bowl. The Yanks were ranked higher in the FIFA World Rankings for a long time but after this past Gold Cup Mexico became the highest ranked CONCACAF team. Both teams are good teams; fortunately and unfortunately the rivalry will live on forever.
Don’t miss another episode of this intense rivalry, tune in today on ESPN2 or Univision at 9PM ET. Mexico will attempt to solidify their place as the better team and the USMNT will seek revenge.
Follow my live commentary during the game on Twitter: @soccersavvy.
