Video I put together today with all 51 USA National Team Goals from 2013:
6.12.2013: Why The USA Is Currently Better Than Mexico
6.12.2013: Why The USA Is Currently Better Than Mexico
By Ryan Kozlowski/derjurgen.blogspot.com
1.) It's all about creative movement and invention. All teams that fared better this Tuesday night, were more inventive in their attack, and not only in soccer (but basketball too). Two sports that are similar in finding ways to score with creativity, if you played both you would know, are basketball and soccer.
USA was creative this Tuesday, Mexico was not. Spurs were creative, Heat were not.
Costa Rica even had more creativity than Mexico; Costa Rica created more chances through Jol Campbell, Bilanos, Cunningham, and probably should of brought on Jairo Arrieta (much more dynamic of MLS's Columbus Crew) compared to Saborio (of MLS's Salt Lake).
But, currently Mexico does not have the creativity in it's starting eleven, for even de la Torre to believe his statements.
There was no dangerous group play between the top six players for Mexico, no one in their midfield worked a Michael Bradley to create issues for the Costa Rica back five. No one took his space, opened things up for a Fabian Johnson to play a beautifully challenging ball in the six that two players can latch onto. USA did that, Mexico did not.
Instead a Mexico usually known for their creativity and tricky feet were instead relying on corner kicks and dead balls (despite mostly being 5'8) for their best chances. That has to make you say huh?
They were also relying on over the top balls to Chicharito who was glaringly offside, inside of working one-two's to get there instead.
The patience isn't there on the field, or well anywhere in the Mexico camp.
2.) (Without Vela) Mexico has no one to pair with Chicharito. Di Nigris, some Atlas striker? Everyone always talks about how far behind the USA is compared to Mexico lately. But, here's a shock, that might become fact for others, I would take a hot Jozy Altidore and his 31 Dutch goals compared to the season that Chicharito is coming off of.
Chicharito had 10 goals in 22 appearances as mainly a bench player for Manchester United in 2012-2013, and 3 of those coming in one day against a paltry Aston Villa back line.
Also, Altidore has 3 goals in 3 international outings, the light bulb has went off for Jozy. The hotter he gets, the more interesting things become in Brazil. In contrast, the closest Hernandez has gotten lately to a goal is an outstretched toe tonight that was about 5 seconds too late. And, that's perhaps being nice as a highlight for Mexico.
Not only is Altidore comparable to Chicharito in my opinion. Dempsey had a considerably as large, if not larger role, in his first season at Tottenham (29 appearances with 7 goals, 4 assists) than Chicharito had in his third season at Manchester United.
Dempsey also had more important/timely goals, in my opinion, that kept Tottenham in Champions League discussions.
Then you look at the role players behind an Altidore and Dempsey.
If Klinsmann keeps Fabian Johnson in left midfield where he belongs (Johnson has always been quality in my eyes and maybe hasn't gained as much attention as he deserves because some Americans don't understand the type of quality he brings, but Johnson is also a midfielder not a back), Michael Bradley has central midfield locked down (30 appearances at AS Roma), and 'Der Jurgen' has a bunch to choose from on that right side between Eddie Johnson/Graham Zusi/and perhaps the only place an outside looking in Landon Donovan might fit in.
Put a strong Jermaine Jones, backed by a Geoff Cameron (who looks like he might belong more in defensive midfield for Stoke and country) behind Michael Bradley, things start to become interesting.
Mexico achieved a U-21 Olympic Gold Medal win and one impressive Gold Cup defeat against the U.S., but De La Torre has snuffed out their momentum with three unheard of ties at home.
And if the fans don't rally around the team, the only trip that Mexico could be making to Brazil is for the Confederations Cup.
3.) Mexican fans don't help. The atmosphere at Estadio Azteca is poisonous. Instead of an atmosphere of "I can't wait to see nice plays" it's "what are you going to do to make me happy." And then when I'm not happy, "how can I boo you to keep myself entertained."
And when that gets boring, can "I blame it all on the other team's striker (this time Bryan Ruiz) and throw bottles at him" potentially ruining my team's chances in the future by FIFA perhaps moving the venue or making us play behind closed doors.
Then again, perhaps playing somewhere else other than Estadio Azteca would be a breath of fresh air for Mexico.
Perhaps the fan attitude combined with the altitude, especially since most of the players now play in Europe or only play at Estadio Azteca in the league 4 times a season, doesn't help them but instead makes them flat for every home game.
Think about it. The only time Mexico looked half-decent was in Houston vs. Nigeria. Perhaps they look more lively offensively at the Confederations Cup in an atmosphere where the pressure is off. And when there not playing on a smog filled mountain top.
The Estadio Azteca atmosphere might be just as responsible as de la Torre for Mexico's problems, and future problems.
4. Most importantly, the US looked the best they've looked in a very long time offensively. It's only Panama but tell that to Mexico.
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