The Americans have beaten El Tri twice already this year. But this time it matters with World Cup qualifying points at stake
It began with a corner kick.
If you’re looking for a starting point for the US men’s national team’s failure to book a spot at the 2018 World Cup, there may be no better moment than a set-piece for Mexico on 11 November 2016.
After four consecutive 2-0 World Cup qualifying wins over Mexico in Columbus, Ohio, the US suddenly found themselves with an unfamiliar 1-1 scoreline against their old rivals at the Mapfre Stadium.
Then, in the 89th minute, that corner from Miguel Layún found the head of veteran defender Rafael Márquez, who perfectly redirected the ball into the back of the net. The crowd of 24,000 in Columbus were stunned as Mexico not only took a 2-1 lead, but also secured their first World Cup qualifying away win against the Americans since 1972.
The loss to Mexico foreshadowed a dismal run against Concacaf opponents and the US failed to make the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
Now, just one day after the five-year anniversary of that defeat, the USMNT have their chance at redemption. In a symbolic change of scenery for a new era, they’ve bucked the trend of playing Mexico in Columbus with the hopes of reenergizing their efforts in a first-ever World Cup qualifier at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium on Friday night.
