It´s almost time for Mexico to host the United States at the Azteca. The tickets are sold out, and the bets have been placed.
History tends to repeat itself more often than not, so let´s go back to the past and see some of the best moments that have created this rivalry. It´s hard to pick the best moments, but the following five are the most recent and most important.
Donovan Eliminates Mexico in World Cup 2002
One of the lowest moments for El Tri, and when the rivalry against the United States became relevant, was when Landon Donovan scored two goals to eliminate Mexico from the 2002 World Cup.
Mexicans don´t only hate Donovan for peeing at the Azteca. This moment in time is the reason why so many are anti-Landon in Mexico. In 2002, Americans were not that into soccer yet, so the loss was that much more painful for El Tri.
Dos Santos Makes Howard Cry
Up 2-0 at the half, it seemed like the United States were ready to become Gold Cup champions. In the second half, though, Pablo Barrera scored a brace, and Andres Guardado had one of his own.
With Mexico up by one, and with less than 20 minutes left, the game had the fans on the edge of their seats. But when anybody thinks about that game today, only one goal comes to mind. And you know which one.
MEX 0 – 1 USA (AZTECAZO)
Only three teams have ever defeated Mexico at the Estadio Azteca: Costa Rica, Honduras, and the United States. The first two were World Cup qualifying matches, but the loss to the Americans hurt much more despite it being a friendly.
It was a close game until the very end when Michael Orozco finished a hectic play. The U.S. will have the opportunity to get another win at the Azteca in an official match, but Mexico will not make it easy this time.
Zusi Saves Mexico
Although this was not a direct match between the two, it´s one of the most important moments in their rivalry. Mexico lost 2-1 to Costa Rica and also lost all hopes of attending the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The United States were also losing 2-1, but a late header by Graham Zusi tied the match. Aaron Johansson scored another to make the final score 3-2. The Americans bailed out the Mexicans, who eventually beat New Zealand over two legs to reach Brazil.
No More Dos a Cero!
Columbus became an Azteca of sorts for Americans since Mexico was never able to beat them there. They got a little cocky though, even chanting ´´dos a cero´´ like it was their Cielito Lindo.
Six months ago, they were humbled by a beautiful header from 37-year-old Rafa Marquez. The header was reminiscent of Jared Borgetti´s goal against Italy in the 2002 World Cup, and the Columbus fortress was finally penetrated.
Will this match mark a new chapter in the rivalry between El Tri and the Stars and Stripes?
Whoever comes out with the win, the bout will surely be one for the history books.
