Guys.
Guys.
Guys.
I am happy. I am conflicted, but I am happy. I know Panama will be a tough challenge, but I kinda wanted to see us beat Mexico.
But you know what, I love to see Mexico struggle. I love to see their fans go in meltdown mode.
A couple of years ago, Our hearts were broken. We thought we were going to win the Gold Cup, only for Mexico to come back for an emphatic win. Then to rub salt in our wounds, the US U-23 failed to make it to the Olympics, and Mexico won GOLD. GOLD at the Olympics. Mexico was on top of the world.
Now, fast forward to the present day, and you fail to recognize the El Tri in front of us.
Sure, some Mexican fans will point out that this is merely a "B or C" team. So what? Mexico hasn't looked convincing whether it's A, B, C, D or E team this year, and even the B team should have beaten the teams in their group with relative ease. Reaching the final should be ALMOST a given for both the USA and Mexico (after all, we got to the Finals in 2009 with a B team, after our A team got to the finals in the Confed Cup).
I know, I know, a strong Mexico is good for the US to grow and compete with. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy their struggles. Two of them were thanks to Klinsmann (beating them and drawing them @ Azteca), the other two were from other factors, but I'll take it anyways.