USMNT soccer rivalry with Mexico | ‘Good Rivals’: Release date, synopsis, trailer & more
One of the most high profile rivalries in international soccer is the that between the US and Mexico and is the focus of a new Prime Video documentary.
The bulk of rivalries in the world of international soccer are normally based on previous geo-political struggles between the corresponding nations. On occasion tension can reach such a point that governing bodies such as UEFA are forced to ensure that these nations don’t meet on the pitch with Russia-Ukraine and Azerbaijan and Armenia both being a case-in-point.
Whilst the historical rivalry between the US and Mexico has seen wars and experienced past political tension, the competition between the USMNT and El Tri on the soccer field is very much based on a sporting nature with the US traditionally the underdog in meetings between both countries with Mexico having won 36 of the 74 contests.
Good Rivals
Released on 24 November (Prime Video), Good Rivals is a three-part documentary series that endeavours to explore the unique and intense rivalry between the Mexican and American national men’s soccer teams.
The docuseries explores the social, political and sporting complexities behind the rivalry between the United States and Mexico soccer teams with focus on the losing spell of 24 back-to-back games that the US endured at the hands of their neighbours from the south between 1937 to 1980.
The documentary features stars of the game from both sides as the likes of Alexi Lalas, Landon Donovan, Chicharito and Rafa Márquez offer their thoughts on the sporting tensions between both nations. Good Rivals also highlights the now famous US victory over Mexico in the 2002 World Cup, which game way to the ‘dos a cero’ nickname after years of El Tri dominating the rivalry.