The Clasico Nacional is never a game to be taken lightly, but it's especially not to be taken lightly when it's the playoffs and advancement to the Apertura semifinals is on the line.
Chivas came into the second quarterfinal leg ahead on away goals (1-1 aggregate), but Oribe Peralta scored what feels like his one thouandth clutch goal for Club America in the 55th minute.
Twin sisters Sabrina and Monica Flores achieved a remarkable feat in and of itself by both playing at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. What’s even more sensational is the fact that Sabrina represents the USA while her twin sister plays for Mexico. Accordingly, the two squared off in the tournament quarterfinals.
The 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, the tune-up tournament for the main event that will follow in 2018, draw took place this morning in Kazan, Russia. The tournament will be held this summer, running from June 17 to July 2, throughout Russia, and we now know the makeup of the two groups at the competition.
Group A features the hosts, Russia, along with the winners of Euro 2016, Portugal. Also in the group are the winners of the 2015 CONCACAF Cup playoff match, Mexico, and New Zealand, the winners of the 2016 OFC Nations Cup Final.
Rafa Marquez, in his 13th appearance against the United States, Rafa Marquez, the scorn of American soccer dating back to to his mid-air head butt on Cobi Jones at the 2002 World Cup, Rafa Marquez, the captain on his international swan song, Rafa Marquez. That's all you need to know: Rafa Marquez.
Mexico took the lead against the United States in the first half, but Jozy Alitdore and Bobby Wood simply weren’t having it. A clear goal scoring chance was crafted out of nothing, Jozy Altidore turning his marker with all the subtlety of a bull in a china shop and sending Wood through on goal.
Wood did much of the same, simply disregarding the attentions of the Mexican defense to fire past Alfredo Talavera and equalize for the United States.
Kick off in Columbus, Ohio was greeted with resounding chants of “Dos a Cero!” from the pro-American crowd. However, the jinx has been resoundingly ended by Miguel Layun, and Mexico are desperately unlucky not to have a couple more.
Only 10 minutes into the United States versus Mexico in Columbus, Ohio, and it looked as though El Tri would break their scoreless jinx at the ground. Jesus ‘Tecatito’ Corona somehow made his way through three American defenders before sending a curling effort on frame.
The wicked shot rebounded off the frame of goal, and replays show that American goalkeeper Tim Howard played a massive role in that Mexican misfortune. A finger-tip save from the Colorado Rapids keeper pushed it onto the post, narrowly avoiding a fantastic opener for the visiting team.
Mexico have announced their starting lineup for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against the USA, and it’s terrifying. While many predicted that Rafa Marquez would start in midfield for El Tri, the veteran player has been put in defense alongside Hector Moreno and Diego Reyes.
In midfield, Miguel Layun, Andres Guardado and Hector Herrera will be charged with protecting the defense and shuttling the ball forward into attack. Above them, Carlos Vela, Tecatito Corona and Giovani dos Santos will look to stretch the American defense.
This week sees the resurrection of one of sports' greatest rivalries. Two neighbouring countries who have spent years locking horns in various elements across the world of sport will collide once again. With precious points in World Cup qualification up for grabs, the United States versus Mexico will be a can't miss encounter.