Dos a cero. It's the score that lives in infamy in the rivalry between the United States and Mexico, and it's a score that could crop up once again on Friday night. It's the beginning of the last stage of World Cup qualifying, and it's a spot the USA has been dreaming of for a while. Three points against El Tri in Columbus, and there's almost no doubt left that the Americans will be on their way to Russia for the World Cup in 2018.
Don't miss the World Cup action from MAPFRE Stadium at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, November 11, 2016. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX Sports 1.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
USA +150
Mexico +175
Draw +230
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
Even though there's a lot of confidence right now in the U.S. soccer camp, the oddsmakers don't have the same thoughts. Sure, the Americans are the favorites, but the margin at +150 is tenuous at best. This is basically as close to a pick 'em as you're going to see in soccer, and there are many who believe this match is going to end up being a real prospective upset.
The total of 2.5 with -130 vig on the under is indicative of a match that could end up being quite tight when push comes to shove.
Roster Analysis
The Americans are going to be in for a challenge here for sure, as Mexico is going to likely be going with just three at the back and five in the midfield to put as much pressure on the hosts as possible while on the ball.
Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio has called upon virtually nothing but central defenders with Rafael Marquez and Hector Moreno leading the way, but the real talent comes in the midfield with Andres Guardado, Giovani dos Santos and Hector Herrera amongst others. Javier Hernandez and Oribe Peralta are both dangerous up front, and it wouldn't be a shock to see Carlos Vela in the Starting XI as well with Hernandez perhaps playing more of an attacking role in this midfield.
The questions for the United States are certainly numerous when it comes to a Starting XI. The last time we saw this squad, the Yanks were using a 4-4-2 in Copa America. The results were satisfactory, but now, there are some real questions. We already know that Clint Dempsey isn't available, and that's going to give way to Jozy Altidore and Bobby Wood up front.
But aside from that and Michael Bradley playing one of the central midfield spots and DeAndre Yedlin taking one of the defensive wing positions, everything is up for discussion. Brad Guzan will likely be in net, though there's no doubt that Tim Howard has been in better form of the two keepers, so that's something interesting to watch out for as well.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The last time these two teams played against each other was the disappointing 3-2 loss for the Americans in the Confederations Cup playoff. Aside from that though, the Stars and Stripes have had their way, going 3-2-1 in their six matches played since 2012, including winning a World Cup qualifier for 2014 right here in Columbus.
That said, this is a different American team right now, one that probably played over its head at home in Copa America and really struggled at times to get out of the penultimate round of World Cup qualifying against a group involving Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala.
The pressure is just going to be too much here for the Americans. Four points from these two matches against Mexico and Costa Rica would be a triumph, and anything less than three would be a disaster that could see Klinsmann sacked before too much longer.
We wish we had more confidence in the Americans, but we just flat out don't. Mexico was always the better side when these two met in the Confederations Cup playoff, and for the most part, the United States was outplayed at home by its best foes in Copa America. We'll take Mexico and the Asian Handicap, but we're still forecasting a very fortunate draw for the United States.
World Cup Odds: USA 1, Mexico 1
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