Ironically I'm in Mexico right now as I'm typing this so should be fun to find a nice bar to watch it at.
With that said, it's a definite mismatch on paper as Mexico has pretty much their A team while the USA had many of their top players decide not to show up. As it turns out, the USA didn't need them to get to the Finals of this year's Gold Cup. And being that it's being played on home soil, where the USA has pretty much controlled the rivalry against Mexico, I think this game points more to even than a mismatch.
The USA will want to start out strong and I believe they will. But I also could see this game in a tie because the Mexican defense has appeared to be strong but, again, that's all on paper. I think the USA will pose a stiffer threat to the goalkeeper and they should be able to break Mexico down even with this offense not being their top selection.
Mauricio Pocchetino was challenged to make this squad matter, especially with the upcoming World Cup and recent bad performances. I think he has some of these guys locked in and believing and that will make a lot of difference in the play as I think the USA will stay the course. Mexico has won their games, but some of them have been very fortunate. Their attacking line of Jimenez, Gimenez, and co...have squandered many big opportunities.
I think the USA will break at times on defense, but will also thrive at times. Let's hope they bend more than they break. I think this is a statement game for Pocchetino and the line is forgiving enough to not overthink and take the home team in what could even end up in a tie before extra time/PK's:
USA PK (+130)
I feel pretty strongly about this but don't want to make it a big play because I'm also partial to the USA. But all things considered, I think they have every opportunity to turn a corner and hold the cup. As always, tail or fade, good luck to all...
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