World Cup 2022: USA Looking to Beat Mexico When it Counts

USA vs Mexico

CONCACAF powerhouses USA and Mexico are set to lock horns here in the World Cup 2022 qualifiers with both nations eyeing the top spot in their division’s table.

Mexico are currently at first place with 14 points while USA are behind them with 11 points and both are almost guaranteed to book their tickets to the big dance for Qatar next year.

Here at SBOTOP, we billed this match as a must-see given the history of these two proud nations. More than anything, the Stars and Stripes and El Tri are fighting for pride and bragging rights at the TQL Stadium this weekend.

There’s more pressure particularly for Mexico since they have yet to defeat USA this 2021 as the Americans came out on top in their earlier meetings at the CONCACAF Nations League and the Gold Cup.

USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter seems to have figured out a winning formula against their arch-rivals. But with Gerardo Martino having a more complete lineup, the Stars and Stripes would have to earn another win the hard way.

Talking Points

Christian Pulisic is back for Team USA

USA’s best export is finally back in the fold after missing three months worth of action. Christian Pulisic first tested positive for COVID-19 back in August, then after that he suffered an ankle injury in his previous international duty for the Stars and Stripes.

Pulisic has played sporadically for Chelsea these past few weeks, so him contending for a starting spot for Gregg Berhalter speaks volumes to his progress and work ethic.

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World Cup

With Pulisic expected to play huge minutes for USA, Thomas Tuchel is understandably concerned about his star’s workload and he requested for Gregg Berhalter to handle his ward properly.

Especially with the injuries sustained by Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner in recent weeks, Thomas Tuchel cannot afford to potentially lose Christian Pulisic again as they’ll try to maintain their top seed in the Premier League.

USA are coming in with a fit squad to choose from on Friday as Christian Pulisic is to be joined by the likes of Timothy Weah, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Ricardo Pepi, Zack Steffen, and Yunus Musah.

Barcelona youngster Sergino Dest is one of the notable omissions for USA due to a back injury, so Joe Scally or DeAndre Yedlin might get the start at right-back.

Raul Jimenez is the x-factor for Mexico

Like USA, Mexico are thrilled to have their star forward in Raul Jimenez back following his skull injury few months ago.

Upon his El Tri return, the Wolves striker quickly made his entry into the World Cup 2022 highlights reel as he scored in their 2-0 win against El Salvador last month.

Raul Jimenez scored his first international goal by converting a late penalty and he’s expected to start up front once more.

Raul Jimenez will provide major boost to Mexico to avoid defeat in their World Cup 2022 qualifier against USA — Mexico’s Raul Jimenez vies for the ball against Honduras’ Maynor Figueroa during their World Cup 2022 qualifying match at Azteca Stadium

Having him back at 100-per cent makes Mexico a more dangerous team as his gravity opens up more opportunities for the likes of Hirving Lozano and Jesus Corona.

Centre-back Nestor Araujo won’t be available since he’ll be serving his one-game suspension, so Gerardo Martino should have a back four of Luis Rodriguez, Julio Cesar Dominguez, Hector Moreno, and skipper Andres Guardado.

All of them will have the unenviable task of slowing down USA’s improved attacking unit.

History

USA and Mexico go way back to 1934 when they first met in the World Cup qualifiers to which the former won. However, Mexico eventually got ahead in the head-to-heads and never looked back.

After their first-ever victory over Mexico, USA didn’t log another win in the World Cup until 1980 when they defeated Mexico for the second time, 2-1.

In their 72 encounters overall, El Tri have the sizeable advantage with 36 wins while the Stars and Stripes have won 21 times along with 15 draws.

Their previous meeting took place last August when USA took home the CONCACAF Gold Cup by beating Mexico 1-0, courtesy of Miles Robinson’s added time goal.

Betting Tip

	USA vs Mexico	1X2 Draw @ 2.97
	November 13, 10:10 (GMT+8)

With a tight affair in the cards, the World Cup 2022 odds don’t have a clear favourite for this contest.

Mexico have the slender advantage as they’re installed at 2.45 while USA are priced at 2.82. However, we’re going for a draw at 2.97 with goals coming from both sides.

The Stars and Stripes may have the psychological edge heading into this contest after getting the better of El Tri, but we expect the visitors to respond in their bid of maintaining their undefeated record in this qualifying tournament.

Both of these nations are evenly matched and are expected to share the spoils, although we wouldn’t be surprised if one of them will take all three points as well.