U.S. finds Estadio Azteca not so menacing, moves closer to qualifying for World Cup
MEXICO CITY — Estadio Azteca rises like a concrete-and-steel citadel from the crowded, dusty boulevards of Mexico’s Santa Úrsula neighborhood. For more than four decades that fortress has been nearly impenetrable, with the country’s national soccer team losing just two competitive matches inside its walls.
But it felt different during Thursday’s World Cup qualifier with the U.S., a game that ended in a 0-0 tie. Gone was the fearsome, intimidating Azteca, where opponents’ World Cup dreams have long gone to die.
Instead, the U.S. was able to emerge with a point it needed in a tight CONCACAF qualifying tournament, with the four teams competing for the final two World Cup spots separated by four points with two games to play.
“It was a good effort,” U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter said. “It’s a valuable point on the road.
U.S. earns a point at Estadio Azteca
U.S. Soccer is walking away from Estadio Azteca with one point as the Americans push to qualify for the World Cup.
The U.S. and Mexico finished with a 0-0 draw.
The Americans didn’t rest their starters or completely park the bus, but they were quick to retreat after brief surges.
The U.S. will next move on to Orlando, Fla., to continue a three-match week that will determine whether the U.S. returns to the World Cup stage after failing to qualify in the last cycle.
Mexico avoided a loss to its rival, but it’s unclear whether one point and the absent scoring punch will be enough to allow coach Tata Martino to keep his job.
It’s unclear what sort of sanctions El Tri might face for the homophobic chant fans unleashed late in the match. The public address announcer tried to stifle it, but the chant triggered a cap in crowd size for Thursday’s game and more penalties could follow because of the latest outburst.
Five minutes of stoppage time
Chucky Lozano drew a yellow card for simulation in the 90th minute after falling the box.
The ref then signaled five minutes of stoppage time as the match remains locked at 0-0.
USMNT, Mexico step up intensity at 60-minute mark
After some fairly conservative play, the U.S. and Mexico delivered back-and-forth runs from the 60th though 90th minutes in an effort to break the stalemate.
Despite some close chances, including a pair of promising Mexico shots, the game remains scoreless at 0-0.
Second half under way
The U.S. and Mexico are back in action for the second half.
The Americans picked up three yellow cards in the first half and Mexico was hit with one, but the matchup has been relatively light of the intense jabs that this rivalry matchup tends to trigger.
Both sides need a result in World Cup qualifying and that has led to somewhat conservative play, with mini attacks followed by quick retreats.
The teams remain scoreless in the 65th minute, with Gio Reyna replacing Tim Weah and Jordan Pefok
replacing Ricardo Pepi.
Christian Pulisic takes a tumble after blocked shot
In the 34th minute, the U.S. had one of its best early looks at goal. After a give-and-go build up along the right side, Christian Pulisic got the ball in the middle of the box and it was deflected by Memo Ochoa.
During the follow-through, Pulisic tripped and fell hard to the turf. He took a bit to get on his feet, clutching his knees and doubling over in apparent pain.
The U.S. could do nothing with the ensuing corner kick.
The Americans have found some seams in the Mexican defense.
In the 13th minute, Yunus Musah also had a shot on goal deflected by Ochoa.
The score remains USMNT 0, Mexico 0 in the 40th minute.
U.S. versus Mexico is under way at Estadio Azteca
The U.S. versus Mexico World Cup qualifier is under way, with a vocal crowd favoring El Tri at the legendary Estadio Azteca despite reports of attendance caps that had potential to dull the supporters’ impact.
The teams are scoreless in the 1`5th minute.
The Americans entered the match with three key injuries and also lost Reggie Cannon because of positive COVID-19 test results.
Mexico’s lineup featured a lot of veteran faces, but some fans have questioned whether they lack the relentless energy and determination that has long been the backbone of El Tri lineups.
U.S., Mexico soccer to play World Cup qualifier at Azteca, possibly for last time
MEXICO CITY — There is no more difficult place for the U.S. national team to play than Estadio Azteca, Mexico’s iconic fortress home and the largest soccer stadium in Latin America.
If the heat, the altitude and the passionate Mexican fans don’t get you, the smog will.
“The last time we played, we had players very ill after the game,” said Bruce Arena, who coached the U.S. in three World Cup qualifiers at Azteca without winning a game. “I remember walking out in the tunnel and Kellyn Acosta was doubled over puking.
“It’s, uh, challenging.”
It’s also why the U.S.-Mexico rivalry is among the most intense in international sports, one that turns especially bitter when the stakes are high as they will be Thursday when the teams play in Azteca with a World Cup berth up for grabs.
The duel could soon lose some of its luster if that game proves to be the last one the teams play in Mexico City during World Cup qualifying.
Both countries, along with Canada, are expected to get automatic berths in the 2026 tournament since they’re hosting it, precluding a qualifying tournament. And by 2030, with the World Cup field at 48 teams and the number of guaranteed CONCACAF entrants doubling to six, the current qualifying format will have to change.
Sergiño Dest injury complicates USMNT’s final World Cup qualifying push
The U.S. national team, already missing its best player in midfielder Weston McKennie, may have lost another Thursday when outside back Sergiño Dest sustained an apparent leg injury just a week before the first of three crucial qualifiers that will determine if the Americans return to the World Cup this fall in Qatar.
McKennie broke a foot earlier this month playing for his club team in Italy while Dest limped off the field in the 56th minute of Barcelona’s Europa League win over Galatasaray.
Coach Gregg Berhalter said there is no replacing McKennie.
“He’s been so important to this group that we’re not going to plug a guy in and get a like for like,” he said. “But that’s OK. We’ve won games before without him. And we’ll do it again.”