The USMNT is playing against Mexico looking for the first threepeat in Concacaf Nation’s League history. The USA has won the first two Concacaf Nation’s League tournaments and is looking to create a “dynasty” by winning it yet again. Can this USMNT side that has looked a bit shaky best a Mexico side that is riding high off an impressive win?
USMNT vs Mexico Preview
If you have to be told to get up for this rivalry match, you might have to check your pulse! USA vs Mexico is the best rivalry in Concacaf and the latest matchup is for a trophy yet again. Both of these nations have met in the previous Concacaf Nation’s League tournaments.
In 2021 the two nations played a classic of a Final with Mexico scoring first in both halves and the USA equalizing to push the match to extra time. Mexico had the chance to score a third on a PK attempt but keeper Ethan Horvath was up to the challenge and saved it. The USMNT then won a PK and Christian Pulisic smashed it home in the 114th minute to give the USA the win!
Last year, the two sides met in the Concacaf Nations Lague semifinal. This one was all USA. Pulisic scored twice before the 50th minute to give the USMNT a 2-0 lead. Then a tussle ensued that saw Weston McKennie and César Montes both get red cards. USA wouldn’t waver as Ricardo Pepi scored a 3rd goal. Another tussle late on saw more red cards for Gerardo Arteaga and Sergino Dest.
That USMNT win was the last time these two rival nations met. Since then, the USA has brought back manager Gregg Berhalter and Mexico has turned to head coach Jaime Lozano. Who will win the tactical chess game that is needed to win the 2024 Concacaf Nation’s League?
Mexico looking to return to glory
Since Mexico’s loss last year to the USMNT in the Concacaf Nation’s League semifinal, they turned the reigns of the team over to Jaime Lozano who helped bring a structure and identity back to El Tri. He helped the team return to their comfortable formation of a 4-3-3 in the 2023 Gold Cup. He led Mexico to the Gold Cup title and has only lost twice in 13 matches in charge.
He is close to helping Mexico get out of its darkest point in recent years, and the thing that could solidify that is if his team could beat the USMNT in the Concacaf Nation’s League Final. Mexico beat a strong Panama team 3-0 in the semifinal this past Thursday while dealing with injured players. It was an impressive win, and it shows that this side should not be underestimated by the USMNT!
Can Berhalter and the USA simplify things and let talent take over?
The USMNT did not look at their best when they took on Jamaica. It took a last-minute equalizer to keep them in the match. This game against Mexico the USA will need to be much sharper on the ball, especially in their attacking transition moments. Berhalter’s side loves to attack in transition, and they will need to do so to get the best of Mexico. Their Bext XI could do just this.
USMNT projected Starting XI:
Turner;
Jedi, Ream, Robinson, Dest;
Musah, McKennie, Reyna;
Weah, Wright, Pulisic
If the USMNT comes out with this XI then they will have the players to advance the ball in transition. Gio Reyna in the midfield would be the lynchpin for this. It would simplify the USA’s troubles they’ve had moving in these moments. Getting the ball at his feet to pick the best pass to start or finish the attacking movement could be the difference between winning and losing. Simplifying the tactics and playing direct would lead to a USA win; let’s see if that’s what Gregg and the USMNT go with in this final!
Prediction: USA 3 – 2 Mexico (After Extra Time)
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Mandatory Credit: AP Photo/Julio Cortez
