A vote for the Americans

Earlier this week, Zinha told reporters in Mexico that the U.S. was overrated and assured everyone that Mexico was superior.

Now, Manuel Lapuente has said the exact opposite. Lapuente said the U.S. is the stronger side and that results show just that. Lapuente coaches Tigres in Mexico and used to coach the Mexican national team, twice actually. He had a very strong Mexican team in the late 1990s, and led them to the 1999 Confederations Cup title.

Anyway, Lapuente said that the U.S. isn't necessarily a powerful side but all they have done is beat Mexico time and again, and that counts for something.

Now, Lapuente was never a supporter of Sven-Goran Eriksson. Lapuente was one who felt the post should go to a Mexican coach after Hugo Sanchez was fired. Perhaps his motives for speaking out this way are as much of a vote of no confidence against Eriksson than they are his true feelings. Or maybe he wants to remind everyone that he was in charge of Mexico back when El Tri could come to the U.S. to play the Americans and expect to walk away with a victory. Or maybe he really feels that way and his opinions catch people off guard because of what he's saying.

Whatever the case, there seems to be a wide range of feelings over Mexico's standing with respect to the U.S.

Luckily for everyone involved, the teams will have a chance to settle things on the field in a few days' time.