Sam's Army vs. El Tricolor

The biggest event in sports today is not what you think. It's not an interleague match up, not a golf tournament or car race (if you count that as a sport) but a futbol match. USA vs. Mexico. Ask yourself this, since the fall of the CCCP is there a bigger rivalry for one of our national teams?

In the last decade the teams have developed a rivalry whereby the US' strong showing has helped deliver international respect for Sam's Army until the disappointment of World Cup 06 where they failed to escape the group stage. A win today secures a birth in the prestigious Confederations Cup which matches the top teams in each region. A win by the US makes a statement that Mexico is now the second team in the region it dominated for seemingly eternity.

Say what you will about soccer but this tournament has brought me back to the game. Last summer, I intently watched the world cup from opening kick to final head butt, however it didn't deliver me to my tv for the european or champions league games this fall.

3 weeks ago it all changed. I attended a Gold Cup doubleheader with my father in law. We watched Honduras upset Mexico and Panama choke away a game against Cuba. It was exciting, passionate, colorful and that was just the crowd. Since then I have been glued to my television watching all of the US games and some of the other games. I have also gotten into the final race of La Liga and the off season machinations of the european leagues, including the incrediple signing of Thierry Henry by Barcelona.

The game should be interesting. Both teams truly hate each other which is always a bonus, especially in a championship. The US is playing in the hostile territory of Chicago and is without 2 starters because of yellow and red cards issued in its last game. In this tournament the US has had a propensity for getting up early then giving up goals late. The first goal today will win. The US has transformed from a defensive oriented team that generates its opportunities from counter attacking breaks to a ball possession attacking scheme. They are vulnerable to Mexico's speed and flair which will test the shaky and young back line. Ultimately, it will be a battle of toughness, the US is in Mexico's head and will prevail.

US 2 Mexico 1

Side Notes:

Sometimes its just not your year. The yankees have done everything to find a way to lose in just about every close game. They are no longer the team taking advantage of the error and getting the sac fly but are making the error, walking in runs and striking out with men on third and less than two outs.

Great A Rod stat - 7 home runs in the ninth inning this year. can you say "opt out"

On Monday I had the opportunity to attend a Q&A with the man behind the greatest characters of my youth. Mr. Frank Oz. He was in Teaneck for a preview showing of his Death at a Funeral. The Q&A was interesting but paled in comparison to the joy of his movie. If you enjoy good comedy this is for you. Do not be frightened by the unknown actors or your xenophobic feelings about England and English comedy. The film centers around a family mourning at a funeral while trying to keep the dead man's skeletons in the closet. It compares favorably to the other comedies of this summer, including Knocked Up and is worth a full price fare.

At the same screening we saw "A Mighty Heart", the story of the search for kidnapped journalist Daniel Pearl. The magnificence of the movie is in telling a story for which we all already know the ending. The pace and tone of the movie displays via constant establishing shots of Karachi and the outlying areas gives a true sense of the chaos of the region and the hopelessness that breeds terrorism. Jolie is fantastic, powerful and still controlled. Like Sean Penn, her acting skills are sometimes obscured by her political activities. You will be hard pressed to find a better American actress working today. It is her Oscar to lose.