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With the United States Men's National Team set to take on Mexico at the Azteca, the whole American soccer world is abuzz as the region's greatest rivalry is about to get serious in a way that it only does once every few years. Normally, only World Cup Qualifying forces these two continental giants to face off in Mexico City; traditionally, the US only wanted to travel there if forced, anyway.
The Yanks have never won at the Azteca Stadium, and there will be 105,000 screaming, vicious Mexican fans in that arena ready to make sure it doesn't happen again. The fact that this match is happening, and it's only a friendly, is an incredibly significant step for this program. The fact that USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has elected to bring what can only be described as a B-team (maybe B minus or B plus, depending on your outlook) has a lot of people really, really worried.
To prepare you for Wednesday night's spectacle, here is a selection of match previews and other related articles for your perusal:
TV & streaming video listings for Wednesday friendlies, including USA-Mexico, Germany-Argentina and Italy-England - Soccer Insider - The Washington Post
Less a preview and more a great place to find all your TV viewing information about the current slate of friendlies.
USMNT Searches for an A-Team - SoccerNewsday.com
Abram's in action for Soccer Newsday, and this time he's sounding off about the recently-named USMNT roster. It's an MLS-heavy list (for Klinsmann), but unfortunately features no Revs. That's not exactly what Abram's getting at, but, you know. That's what I'm seeing.
A trip to Mexico is a bold choice for Klinsmann - Goal.com
Allen Ramsey discusses the USA - Mexico rivalry and the importance of a good show at the Azteca. He's got a point; Klinsmann is bringing a team that's relatively inexperienced on the international stage into the most charged and difficult atmosphere in which an American player can compete. This could either be a great experience, or it could backfire horribly.
TSG’s Official USA vs. Mexico Preview: Have Fun Storming The Castle! " The Shin Guardian
A typically brilliant USMNT preview by The Shin Guardian.
Scouting Report: Mexico - US Soccer Players
USA-Mexico Preview, Part One: Breaking Down the US Roster | The Yanks Are Coming
USMNT-Mexico Preview, Part Two: Never A Friendly, This One Has Strange Feel | The Yanks Are Coming
USMNT attempts to conquer Azteca - Soccer By Ives
National Team Players on Mexico - USA - US Soccer Players
U.S. coach Klinsmann is confident ahead of Mexico friendly - Goal.com
Mexico vs USA Preview - Goal.com
Preview: US look for first-ever win in Azteca vs. Mexico | MLSsoccer.com