Published 6/25/2011 12:54:41 PM by Shane Barrow from soccermogul

These games don't come around too often.  USA-Mexico with the 2011 Gold Cup title on the line and an invitation to the next Confederations Cup in Brazil prior to World Cup 2014.  Everything is to play for tonite between two of the biggest rivals on the world stage.

The two sides have come from different places to get to tonite's final.  The Americans opened slowly in the tournament suffering a shock loss in their second match to Panama.  Then Coach Bob Bradley made some adjustments.  The defense was reshuffled sending Tim Ream to the bench and Carlos Bocanegra into the center.  Eric Lichaj was inserted on the left side.  The defense clicked and the US has not given up a goal since.

Mexico came out all guns blazing.  Blasting their first round opponents behind a quick flowing attack and the finishing of star Chicharito.  They have slowed considerably in their last couple of games, slipping past Guatemala and Honduras.  There should be a bit of concern, but throw it all out the window when these two sides meet.

Can the suddenly leak-proof US defense contain the flowing attack of Giovani Dos Santos, Guardado and Chicharito?  Can Mexico's defense deal with Clint Dempsey's hard runs and Landon Donovan's pace?  It's all to be seen this evening at a sold out Rose Bowl.

"I think with the entire Mexican team it's important that we defend with numbers, that we bottle them up and get people around the ball," US goalkeeper Tim Howard said. Crucial, too, will be to bring the sort of physicality Honduras offered up against Mexico in the semifinals, which can upset El Tri's technically proficient passing game.

It should be nothing short of a war. In their past 10 meetings dating to 2003, the US has won five times, Mexico three, with two draws between them.

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