Tensions are starting to rise before the USA vs Mexico World Cup CONCACAF hexagonal qualifier in Ohio on February 11th. The CONCACAF's version of an "Old Firm derby" has historically brought out passions from both sides, this next meeting is no exception. Former US International and LA Galaxy General Manager Alexi Lalas comments on ESPN last week on how he hates Mexico and wants to crush them has definitely helped to stir the pot.

Luis Bueno from The Touchline and regular contributor to CSRN broke down a recent return message to Lalas by San Cadilla in Mexican publication Mural.

He broke it down this way:

1. The hate (in sporting terms) goes both ways.
2. Lalas is just bitter because in his day the "gringos" couldn't hang with the Mexicans.
3. Anyone whose real name is Panayotis Alexander can't be taken seriously as a player, a musician and much less as a TV analyst.

Bob Bradley's USA faces Sven Goran Eriksson's Mexico, Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio 11th February, 2009, 7:00 PM ET.

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