They say it's the Clash of the CONCACAF titans and tomorrow's Gold Cup final has all the ingredients to live up to it's high expectations.
Whenever there is a Mexico vs USA clash, you can be sure that fireworks will explode. Such is the level of intensity in clashes between these two sides. And to think that it all dates back to 1934 when both sides met in a play-off tie to earn a World Cup spot makes it a special rivalry to behold.
Football is indeed a noble game and Mexico have been an icon of what noble is all about is this year's edition of the Gold Cup. Almost flawless since the tournament began and there has been this element of flair in their style of play. Could it the key tomorrow? By all means.
The current Mexican set-up has a near-perfect blend of youth and experience. But the whole team is basically built on speed, which perfectly justifies their offensive capabilities so far. It makes you wonder how much of depth do they have because nothing has seemed to change within their set-up despite losing five players who were suspended after testing positive clenbuterol.
Wins over Guatemala and Honduras in the quarter and semi-finals were tough ones but there wasn't a moment where anyone would have thrown Mexico out of proportions. Solidity has been the key as well.
Andres Guardado's speed and agility down the flanks could be a major headache for Bob Bradley's hard-working side but to think that they have someone who is a true testament to how a striker should mould his game- Javier Hernandez, is indeed a scary prospect for the Americans.
Do not forget the languid Giovanni Dos Santos and the hardworking Pablo Barrera. He might not have been a success with West Ham United but please do not count him out in a Mexican shirt. The man can be dangerous.
Having said all these, USA have no reason to head in as underdogs. And Michael Bradley absolutely agrees with it.
"They're a good team. Certainly the attacking players, they are mobile and can cause problems with their skill. Having said that, it's a big rivalry and these games, all it takes is one play going one way to tilt the bar in your favor."
USA will have already developed a plan to overcome the skillful Mexicans and Tim Howards believes that defending as strong unit will be fundamental.
"I think with the entire Mexican team it's important that we defend with numbers that we bottle them up and get people around the ball.
USA are probably the better team when it comes to their forms in the knockout rounds but in games with magnitudes like this, all the pre-match statistics and information will be torn apart by mere passion and determination. There will be only one moment that will matter tomorrow and if either team can seize that moment, victory shall be theirs.
Football is indeed a noble game and Mexico have been an icon of what noble is all about is this year's edition of the Gold Cup. Almost flawless since the tournament began and there has been this element of flair in their style of play. Could it the key tomorrow? By all means.
The current Mexican set-up has a near-perfect blend of youth and experience. But the whole team is basically built on speed, which perfectly justifies their offensive capabilities so far. It makes you wonder how much of depth do they have because nothing has seemed to change within their set-up despite losing five players who were suspended after testing positive clenbuterol.
Wins over Guatemala and Honduras in the quarter and semi-finals were tough ones but there wasn't a moment where anyone would have thrown Mexico out of proportions. Solidity has been the key as well.
Andres Guardado's speed and agility down the flanks could be a major headache for Bob Bradley's hard-working side but to think that they have someone who is a true testament to how a striker should mould his game- Javier Hernandez, is indeed a scary prospect for the Americans.
Do not forget the languid Giovanni Dos Santos and the hardworking Pablo Barrera. He might not have been a success with West Ham United but please do not count him out in a Mexican shirt. The man can be dangerous.
Having said all these, USA have no reason to head in as underdogs. And Michael Bradley absolutely agrees with it.
"They're a good team. Certainly the attacking players, they are mobile and can cause problems with their skill. Having said that, it's a big rivalry and these games, all it takes is one play going one way to tilt the bar in your favor."
USA will have already developed a plan to overcome the skillful Mexicans and Tim Howards believes that defending as strong unit will be fundamental.
"I think with the entire Mexican team it's important that we defend with numbers that we bottle them up and get people around the ball.
USA are probably the better team when it comes to their forms in the knockout rounds but in games with magnitudes like this, all the pre-match statistics and information will be torn apart by mere passion and determination. There will be only one moment that will matter tomorrow and if either team can seize that moment, victory shall be theirs.
