It's hard to discount anything in a rivalry despite the fact that some of the luster has worn off. There are three questions to keep an eye on ahead of the game.
When Vlatko Andonovski was named head coach of the United States in October, he was tasked with identifying and developing the core of the next generation without sacrificing results.
The spotlight is more intense for the two-time defending World Cup champion and perennial top ranked side. At this tournament, Andonovski has made it clear that new players need to play in pressure-filled environments. He has given them a leash to make mistakes and not worry about losing their roles.
Several players were given the chance to prove they can handle the moment after last week's win. Sophia Smith scored two goals, one of which was a delightful opener with the outside of her foot.
Her stock may have improved the most. While Smith is already part of Andonovski's preferred XI, Huerta is trying to earn more looks and is the best crosser with time on the ball.
Most of the team's best play came down that right side, and in the 27th minute, the team's best play came down that side, with Huerta's cross to the far post being a perfect example.
If she continues to play well, it's hard not to see her on the U.S. World Cup roster.
The lineups for each of the group-stage matches are decided before the tournament begins.
The US has a good type of problem in being able to assume maximum points in the group stage no matter who it rolls out. The player vetting and saving legs are part of the rotation.
Ellis took an approach similar to that at the World Cup, rotating heavily in the second match of the tournament, in the heat. It is likely that Monday's lineup was already set a week ago.
When asked after Thursday's match who his starting goalkeeper would be, Andonovski wasn't sure, but he had previously indicated that the starting XI against Haiti would be the most used. At least one game-changing save was made by the less experiencedCasey Murphy in that XI.
If Naomi gets further evaluation at center back, that will be one thing to watch. Even as a first-year professional with San Diego Wave FC, Girma is the best attack minded center back the U.S. has in the pool right now, a player comfortable dribbling out of pressure even as the last defender and one capable of breaking pressure with an accurate long She assisted Smith on his first goal.
There is a push- pull in these final group games when a World Cup spot is already secured. Only the winner is guaranteed a spot in the Olympics, and second and third place teams will go to a playoff in 2023. There is a need to keep the starting group sharp despite the fact that they didn't get it against Jamaica. There will be a near full-strength XI on Monday.
Mexico hasn't had a great start to the championship. Two calamitous losses in their first two games of the group stage -- at the hands of Haiti and Jamaica -- means that El Tri Femenil will now need to defy the odds and defeat the heavily favored U.S.
Is it possible for them to pull this off against a formidable opponent?
Mexico's problems in the tournament have more to do with a lack of a best XI than a lack of talented options. In the two recent defeats that El Tri Femenil suffered through altered XIs and questionable spots on the bench, we saw this.
A place in the XI for top-performing attackers such as Cervantes and Ovalle would be an instant fix after hearing what Vergara had to say. Itzel Gonzalez, a former Sevilla goalkeeper, should be brought in to replace Emily Alvarado in the net.
The atmosphere will be more important than any roster changes. In the group stage of the W Championship, both stadiums have looked empty, with little promotion or advertisements for local fans who attend both venues for Liga MX and Femenil games.
When you consider what's at stake for El Tri Femenil, there's no excuse for overlooking an official match between Mexico and the US. There is a chance that a boisterous and rowdy atmosphere will lead to a miracle for Mexico.
The United States faced its southern neighbors for a World Cup qualification match. The win was for El Tri Femenil.
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