CARSON, Calif. – Giovani dos Santos heads into Mexico’s vital World Cup qualifiers with the United States and Panama full of confidence and eager to contribute for El Tri.
Dos Santos joined Juan Carlos Osorio’s Mexico squad earlier this week ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifier against the United States at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The 27-year-old forward has notched two career goals against the USMNT in his international career, but Mexico has not defeated the Americans in four previous meetings in Columbus.
The match with the Americans has always been a special one for Dos Santos and Mexico, but the LA Galaxy star admits that the match has added importance for him now that he plays in the United States.
“I feel very happy to be called up again for my national team,” Dos Santos said. “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.”
Día 2: La entrega y el trabajo duro, continúan. #ElFutbolEsNuestropic.twitter.com/jnabDGV903
— Selección Nacional (@miseleccionmx) November 9, 2016
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The two games are of vital importance for El Tri who will hope to start the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on a high note. Although Mexico head into the Hexagonal as one of the favorites to book a ticket to the World Cup, Dos Santos wants to start the tournament off right with a win over the USMNT.
“Playing against the United States is a very special game for Mexico,” said dos Santos. “It’s a big rivalry between us. 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 and try to get the three points.
“You always want to start [the Hexagonal on] the right foot. We’re prepared and we know that we have two difficult games, but we know that the most important game is the United States.”
