Keys to Victory for the Yanks

Today's showdown at the Azteca will be the most unfriendly environment the US has had to face this entire campaign. During the Confederations Cup the US lead Italy, won two games and beat Brazil for 60+ minutes because they did these three things.

Land the First Blow
If the United States can score first it will take away the crowd factor. They need to come out flying like they did against Spain, the first chances of the game were for the US and it made Spain defend more, taking pressure off the back line.

Control the Space
The US needs to control the space to control the pace. If the US can shut down the central midfield with Clark and Bradley and Bocanegra and Spector can slow down Guardado and dos Santos then they are in with a shot. Please see the US midfield vs Pirlo, Xavi, and Kaka for the majority.

Counter-attack
No it's not the prettiest in the world and in most cases I don't condone it, but if it's not broke don't fix it. The US counterattacked extremely well in the Confederations Cup and it can work against a Mexico back line who will be without its leader Rafa Marquez.