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Motivated Mexico looks for revival against rival US
GLENDALE, United States (AFP) - Hugo Sanchez makes his debut as coach of the Mexican national football team here on Wednesday in a grudge match friendly showdown against arch-rival United States.
The Americans have not been beaten in seven meetings with the Mexicans - including six victories - since 2000, outscoring their southern border rivals 11-0. The Mexicans have not scored on US soil in 663 minutes, a span of eight games that includes seven shutouts.
"Hugo Sanchez has used those statistics as motivation for his team. I think that just puts more on the line for this game," US interim coach Bob Bradley said.
"Everybody is looking forward to it. Mexico always as a great soccer team with a good history and is now our number one rival."
A lineup of top Mexican talent is bolstered by European-based standouts Ricardo Osorio and Pavel Pardo of Stuttgart, Rafael Marquez of Barcelona, Carlos Salcido of PSV Eindhoven and Nery Castillo of Greece´s Olympiakos.
"It´s a statement they take this game very seriously," Bradley said. "I certainly can see the mentality of his is to erase some of the results. That shows some of the competitiveness that has been a trademark of his career."
Sanchez has appealed to national honor in motivating the Mexican side.
"It´s not the three points, it´s the pride," Sanchez said. "Besides, we´ve already made the changes."
Despite the recent struggles away from home, the Mexicans do have a measure of superiority over the Americans with an overall record of 29 wins to 12 defeats and 10 drawn in their overall rivalry with the US men, who won their most recent meeting 2-0 on home soil in 2005 in World Cup qualifying.
"You just sense this game has a little bit of extra attention," Bradley said. "We expect a great atmosphere. Mexico is typically well supported in these type of matches. There will be a great number of US supporters there."
Bradley´s debut as US coach came last month in a 3-1 home victory over Denmark. He replaced Bruce Arena late last year after the long-time US coach parted ways with US Soccer after a first-round US ouster at the 2006 World Cup.
"The players have refocused themselves to the challenges ahead and I think we´re all ready to play," Bradley said. "They all know the group of players Mexico is bringing to this game.
"We´re trying to find a good balance so we´re not too excited too soon and at the same time we have the intensity and focus we need for a match of this importance."
"I can assure you we are looking not only to this game but for what goes into the next four years."
A lineup of Major League Soccer talent includes forward Landon Donovan and midfielder Pablo Mastroeni with support from Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, Reading striker Bobby Convey and Fulham´s Carlos Bocanegra and Clint Dempsey.
"It worked well in timing with this group and they work well with the players who were in camp," Bradley said. "It´s a great chance to test some of our young players and see how they perform in a tough atmosphere."
The US squad has home friendlies in March against Ecuador and Guatemala ahead of June´s Gold Cup against North American rivals in US cities and the Copa America in Venezuela against South American nations in late June and July.
US Soccer could name a full-time coach other than Bradley before the tournaments, adding to the test facing the US handler.
"It certainly raises the stakes. The spotlight in those 90 minutes tells a lot about what went on in the camp... that spotlight will come on very brightly," Bradley said.
"I´m excited. You always look forward to big matches. I´ve not allowed this interim thing to factor into any part of it."
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