The big CONCACAF rivalry is renewed as USA host Mexico in the Confederations Cup 2017 playoff on Saturday. The Rosebowl in Pasadena, California is set for a dream matchup as the two neighbours battle it out for a spot in the Confederations Cup.
Jurgen Klinsmann's men have not had the greatest of times recently – their Gold Cup semifinal defeat is part of the reason why this playoff has been deemed necessary -- but that pall of gloom will be lifted considerably if they beat their biggest rivals on Saturday, in what will not be a partisan US crowd.
"Obviously, as I said before, I was very upset with what happened in the Gold Cup," Klinsmann said. "Very upset. And now it's passed. You can define pressure the way you feel it. It's totally cool with me. I have no problem with it at all.
"I think you will definitely see a shift [in support]. We know the American Outlaws did a lot of work; there are fans flying in from all over the country. The team feels that. The support they've gotten over the years has grown."
The last team Mexico will want to lose to are the US, even if they have failed to pick up wins against the USMNT in their last few matches, with their last game – a friendly – ending in a 2-0 win for the Americans.
With a new coach in Ricardo Ferretti, there is a sense of positive anticipation about El Tri.
"This thing about obligation [to win] or show who's the giant in CONCACAF and all of that, I think that we're going to leave all that aside. The team has a great deal of footballing potential and we're just going to show that," Ferretti said, before adding with a smile, "I don't do anything because I have to, not even tie my shoes.
"If we do things because we have to, they don't come out well. We don't do them with love."
Where to Watch Live
USA vs Mexico is scheduled for a 6.30 pm local time (9.30 pm ET, 2.30 am, 7 am IST) start. There will be no live coverage of the Confederations Cup playoff match in India.
Viewers in the USA can watch the game live on Fox Sports 1, with the online live streaming option on Fox Soccer 2 Go.
Audience in Mexico can also catch the action on Fox Sports Cono Sur and TDN.
Viewers in Australia can watch the match live on Bein Sports, while the playoff can be live streamed on Bein Sports Connect.
