U.S., Mexico soccer to play World Cup qualifier at Azteca, possibly for last time
MEXICO CITY — There is no more difficult place for the U.S. national team to play than Estadio Azteca, Mexico's iconic fortress home and the largest soccer stadium in Latin America.
If the heat, the altitude and the passionate Mexican fans don't get you, the smog will.
"The last time we played, we had players very ill after the game," said Bruce Arena, who coached the U.S. in three World Cup qualifiers at Azteca without winning a game. "I remember walking out in the tunnel and Kellyn Acosta was doubled over puking.
"It's, uh, challenging."
It's also why the U.S.-Mexico rivalry is among the most intense in international sports, one that turns especially bitter when the stakes are high as they will be Thursday when the
