CARSON, Calif. – For Giovani dos Santos, the road to Friday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match between Mexico and the United States in Columbus hasn’t been easy (7:45 pm ET; FS1, Univision).
He returned to the Mexican national team for a pair of friendlies last month, after a prolonged absence that saw him miss a little more than a year with the squad. But those matches pale in comparison to what awaits dos Santos and El Tri in Columbus, where the US have famously beaten Mexico 2-0 in every World Cup qualifier going back four qualifying cycles.
“Playing against the United States is a very special game for Mexico,” said dos Santos. “It’s a big rivalry. I think it’s the most important game of the year for us. It’s the start of the Hexagonal, and we need to win.”
The US might be Mexico’s toughest road opponent of the qualifying cycle, but the history of dos a cero has been a rising tide lifting all involved. Dos Santos’ own history in the series has been notable, forcing Tim Howard – against whom he missed a penalty in LA’s shootout loss in the Western Conference semifinal second leg at Colorado on Sunday – into terrific saves in Columbus in both the 2014 and 2010 qualifying cycles.
Dos Santos finished the MLS season as the LA Galaxy’s leader in both goals and assists, but saw himself as more of a chance creator. After one of his more consistent years in his career in terms of getting starts and minutes, the attacker has matured quite a bit.
“I think he was a young 26 years old when he came in,” said Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena. “He also was a player with limited playing experience. With all the talent he had and all the accomplishments he’s had with Mexico, he hasn’t played at the club level on a consistent basis.
“He’s been playing at a consistent basis, and I think that’s helped with his fitness.”
Now he has to take that solid form to the international level. His time away from the national team has taught him that success with Mexico isn’t a guarantee. Every time a roster is announced, dos Santos is competing for a spot against a deep talent pool.
After their match against the United States in Columbus, Mexico has to travel to Panama for another tough qualifier. Failing to get points from these road games, as happened last qualifying cycle, is not the Hexagonal start Mexico is looking for.
“I feel very happy to be called up again for my national team,” said dos Santos. “I’ve been working very hard this year. I feel in great shape. Also very thankful to the coach for the confidence, and I’m very excited for what’s coming up with the national team. I’m ready for these two games.”
