USA meet Mexico on Monday in the final of the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League tournament, which has been delayed by one year due to the global pandemic.
In the semi-finals, USA edged past Honduras and Mexico needed penalties to defeat Costa Rica, after both sides progressed to this stage of the competition by finishing top of their groups in 2019.
Match preview
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Gregg Berhalter's side are in impressive form having only lost once in their last 11 matches in all competitions, dating back to the group stages of this tournament in late 2019.
During their four group games in the CONCACAF Nations League, USA won three while netting 15 goals in a rampant campaign, which was started by a 7-0 win with a hat-trick from then Schalke 04 player Weston McKennie, now of Juventus.
The USA side were not so free flowing in front of goal in the semi-final against Honduras, which proved to be a difficult challenge, as they had to rely on an 89th-minute strike from Jordan Siebatcheu.
USA's squad is full of strength with a number of players playing their club football in the MLS or across Europe's top five leagues - most notably Christian Pulisic, who last month became the first player from the United States to win the Champions League.
Just like the USA, Mexico enter this final in good form having lost just once in their last 14 matches, which included gaining maximum points in their CONCACAF Nations League group stage.
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Gerardo Martino's side managed 13 goals in their four group fixtures, and this time around the national side can turn to Napoli forward Hirving Lozano to produce the goals.
In their semi-final Mexico needed penalties to beat Costa Rica after a goalless draw, and goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was the hero as he saved Allan Cruz's spot kick to ensure his side won 5-4 on penalties.
Due to the geographical border between these two countries, this fixture is always a tense contest with a lot of the nation's pride dependant on the result between USA and Mexico.
The last meeting between the sides ended in an emphatic win for Mexico. who ran out 3-0 winners in 2019, but both sides have had personnel changes since then and this game is sure to be tighter with a trophy awaiting the winner.
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Team News
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Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson made his return in the game against Honduras after he picked up an injury at the end of the Premier League season.
USA's front three is expected to consist of Giovanni Reyna, Christian Pulisic and through the middle Joshua Sargent, and at the other end of the pitch Manchester City's Zack Steffen will defend the USA goal.
Mexico have three main absentees for this final fixture as Fernando Navarro and Osvaldo Rodriguez have recently picked up injuries, while Raul Jimenez continues his long recovery from suffering a fractured skull in November.
Goalkeeper Ochoa will take confidence from keeping a clean sheet and saving the penalty to send Mexico to the final, and he will be looking to stop USA's attack on Monday.
USA possible starting lineup:
Steffen; Robinson, Brooks, McKenzie, Dest; Lletget, Yueill, McKennie; Pulisic, Sargent, Reyna
Mexico possible starting lineup:
Ochoa; Moreno, Alvarez, Araujo; Arteaga, Guardado, Herrera, Antuna; Lozano, Martin, Lainez
We say: USA 2-1 Mexico
Both sides are in good form and had difficult tests in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League which suggests that this will also be a close contest.
However, the front three for the USA is strong and has the capability to break down a resolute Mexican defence.
Sammy Wynne
