I'm Literally Salivating!!!

I can't wait. I'm literally drooling (its currently sliding down my chin and dripping onto my t-shirt)..ok maybe that went a bit far, but I am stoked about tonight's game, in what is currently, the best rivalry in world soccer.

USA vs Mexico!!!

Now, this rivalry certainly isn't the best rivalry in soccer history, but can you name a world rivalry with as much pride and passion on the line at the moment? Sure there's Germany v England, Brazil v Argentina etc but to be honest those have been rather subdued affairs in recent times.

But USA vs Mexico is at the peak of its intensity. The US has been absolutely dominant in recent years, with the recurring scoreline of 2-0 serving as heartbreak to Mexico fans. Mexico is definitely up for this match, which will kick off the Hex (last round of qualifying in the Concacaf region consisting of 6 teams). What a way to kick off!

Mexican fans and press are desperate for a win against the northern 'gringos.' They've even resorted to voodoo, as headlines have been made in recent days with Blockbuster sponsoring voodoo dolls of American players to Mexican patrons. But can I quickly diverge into a topic that really grinds my gears.

Immigration is a hot topic among Americans and it crosses divides from the political to the athletic. There certainly is a story to be had with the players themselves as they choose side (see Juan 'Paco' Torres of Pachuca who will represent the red, white, and blue tonight). My beef is more with the fans and being in Texas, currently I run into this all the time.

Plain and simple, if you were born in the US and have lived the majority of your life in the US, feeding off of its benefits and training and playing with American clubs; you need to be supporting the US tonight!!!! You're American and as much as I can appreciate heritage and culture, its just that heritage and culture. You're an American citizen, support your country!!

Now this doesn't apply to all American citizens. Mexicans who were born and raised in their homeland and later relocated to the US to become citizens can support who they like. I can completely sympathize with this situation. But those that are born and raised in the US, despite heritage, should support the US...period!

Ok, done with my rant for the day. The US should take this game. Mexico has not been playing well under the Swede Sven Ericksson. In fact, they've been down right poor and squeaked into this final round. They're also down several players and will be relying on several who will be earning their first caps.

The US, on the other hand, is playing at home in Columbus with a squad that cruised through the last qualifying round and with the exception of Cherundolo, is completely healthy. No excuses guys for them this round. Anything less than another resounding 2-0 win is unacceptable!!!!