Preview - USA and Mexico - the CONCACAF representation at the FIFA World Cup 2014

Between the posts is Tim Howard who’s had a great season with his club Everton in the Premier league. Another genuine quality forward USA have is Jozy Altidore who’s a big physical presence upfront, capable of holding the ball up and getting others into play and very strong in the air.

Michael Bradley is the one they depend on to connect defence to attack. Geoff Cameroon and Matt Besler are two reliable defenders who are expected to start in Brazil. Under Klinsmann, Cameroon has been rock solid so far. The omission of Tim Ream was unexpected as he had a fairly good season with Bolton.

In all, USA have a good team who on their day with the right decisions, can cause an upset. Let’s hope they do so, because it would only add to the excitement and intrigue of the World Cup.

Mexico

The Miguel Herrera managed side need to turn on the style to show that they belong among the elite

Mexico have always been a team who’ve showed promise, but never have they perfomed to their level of expectation in the World Cup. They’re one of those teams having excellent youth prospects and experienced veterans. They also are a team who play a brand of free flowing attacking football which is easy on the eye.

As quoted by USA captain Landon Donovan “In my opinion, the youth in Mexico is better than ours. We’re looking for ways to improve it, but for me Mexico is one of the best in the world at that kind of progression, with youth, and with the national team it’s almost the same forever, and I think it will continue to be for a long time.” Donovan also went on to say that “Mexico has a chance to do something special in the World Cup. When they play well, Mexico is one of the best in the world.”

The reputation Mexico have in terms of their youth and style of play is immense, but actually putting it all into practice and perfoming at a major International tournament remains a big problem. Recently, Mexico defeated Brazil in the Olympic final which should further add to their confidence and aura of being capable enough to beat the best when playing well. They’re often the underdogs who come out on top in the end.

Qualification for the World Cup finals was a close call as it was nail biting stuff for the players as well as the fans. Mexico share their group with Cameroon, Croatia and hosts Brazil. It is a fairly even group, as Croatia have been playing well going into the tournament and Cameroon are highly unpredictable. When it comes down to individual talent though, Mexico have the upper hand over both of them.

Just like the USA, Mexico too depend a lot on their star performers and experienced veterans. Captain Rafael Marquez will resume his duty of leading his men as he always has during his long career. Marquez’ experience along with the ever-present Hector Moreno and Carlos Salcido would do Mexico a world of good at the back. It’s a partnership which is very reliable.

Herrera and Carlos Pena are the usual paring in the middle who are the main reason behind the free flowing football Mexico play. However, the real creativity in Mexico’s midfield is mainly seen on the left hand side where Giovanni Dos Santos is up and raring to go with his exquisite skills and tricks. He’s another essential asset on whom Mexico rely for creativity going forward.

In attack, Oribe Peralta has been prolific on the international stage. He’s the “Fox in the box” type of a centre forward which every top team needs. Peralta is accompanied by another big name striker and a goal machine in Javier Hernandez who also shares similar instincts to that of Peralta. We all know that if there is anyone can get a goal out of nothing, it is Chicharito.

Mexico are a team who can pull off shock results and surprises with the football they play. They last reached the Quarters in 1986, which seems like ages ago. It’s about time they live up to the expectation of their fans and finally prove their mettle in Brazil.