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US and Mexico meet in race to qualify first [Fri Sep 2nd, 2005]
Columbus, Ohio (Reuters) - With their places in the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany virtually assured, CONCACAF powers the United States and Mexico meet on Saturday with bragging rights at stake.
Who will book their ticket to Germany first will be decided when the teams rekindle one of football's most fierce rivalries at the Crew Stadium.
The balance of power has slowly shifted towards the US after they sent their neighbours packing in the second round of the 2002 World Cup, although Mexico remain fifth in the FIFA rankings, one place higher than the US
"Mexico is certainly and arguably our biggest rival," US coach Bruce Arena told reporters, "and that always makes for a good game.
"More importantly, any kind of positive result qualifies us for the next World Cup and that's been our objective since June of 2004."
After six games, Mexico top the six-nation CONCACAF group with 16 points -- one better than the US -- and need just a draw to qualify.
The US will qualify with a victory, although a draw could be enough if Trinidad and Tobago draw with Guatemala and Costa Rica drop points away to Panama.
However they will be determined to win the match and make up for the 2-1 defeat by Mexico in March when they were outclassed in the Azteca Stadium.
Mexico will be without suspended defender Salvador Carmona and midfielder Aaron Galindo who both tested positive in June for nandrolone. Inspirational midfielder Pavel Pardo is also serving a one-match suspension after accumulating yellow cards.
Bolton Wanderers forward Jared Borgetti, who Arena considers Mexico's biggest threat, remains confident even though Mexico have not won a qualifier in the US since 1972.
"We know we can (win)," Borgetti told reporters, "although they (US) will make an effort to beat us and show us how they have gotten better. If that is the case, they will need to demonstrate that on the field.
"They can't close themselves in the back like they did when they came to Mexico," he said.
With the top three from the group qualifying and the fourth-placed team facing a play-off against Bahrain or Uzbekistan, there is still much to play for.
With four games remaining Guatemala and Costa Rica are joint third with seven points, followed by Trinidad (four) and Panama (two). Mexico host Panama on Wednesday, with the US in Guatemala, and Costa Rica are home to Trinidad and Tobago.
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