Dear Mexico and Uruguay,

I want to first extend my deepest sympathies on your respective losses, especially to Uruguay since your loss in my mind was greater, as the hope remained through the last penalty struck.

However overwhelming the urge to say, "that's the end of the Cup run, nothing matters now," please reconsider. Third place is better than fourth place. It is not but a mere consolation. Both Mexico and Uruguay are top teams in the Americas -- Mexico have proven this in two back-to-back competitions.

If nothing else, think of it this way. Here you are in the world's oldest international footballing competition, playing in front of a world whose eyes are still on this dynamite footballing region (for just two more days). Your competition is formidable, and to win now will count for tournament experience for your next generation players (here's looking at you, Uruguay) plus the opportunity to show the world that you play every game with heart.

Remember that regardless of friendly or cup championship, you represent not only your nations footballing tradition but also (for better or worse) the pride and, dare I say, condition of the people in your country.

Sincerely,
At least one fan.

**This is a prediction, not a match report! As of this writing this game has NOT occurred yet.**

A rematch of one of the hardest fought games of the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany, Mexico will be looking to get the best of a slightly altered Argentine team who, under new leadership of Alfie Basile, has had some very strong second halves in this tournament, with 9 of their 13 goals coming after the halftime break.

Mexico on the other hand have also shown flashes of brilliance in this cup, defeating Brasil handily in group play while embarrassing Paraguay by six goals in a shutout -- the largest margin thus far in the tournament.

With both teams looking strong, it is too bad that this match is merely a contention to get into the final instead of to lift the cup, as this match, much like Uruguay v. Brasil last night, will be one for the highlight reels.

Mexico must rely on their defense to disrupt the balance in the Argentine attack, but Argentina are their worst enemies in this regard. Quick passing, deft movement off the ball, and continual motion are the Argentine strengths that enable them to keep their opponents in a constant state of reshifting and regrouping. This allows Argentina to find holes in the defense and make room to take shots.

Luckily for Argentina, practically their entire team is capable of putting the ball in the net, but scorers tonight will include Cambiasso and Riquelme, while the Mexican defense focuses on stopping forwards Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez.

For Mexico, their lone goal will come off of a set play or possibly a penalty (if Argentine defender Roberto Ayala's luck continues like in the last game).

I think Mexico will score first, late in the first half, with an equaliser in the run of play just before the halftime break. The second half Argentine goal will stand as the game winner, and it will take a wonder goal reminiscent of Maxi's one-turn punt from Germany.

Well, this is all wild speculation of course, but in any event it should be a sight to behold and a game to match the semi-final magic witnessed last night.

Mexico 1 :: 2 Argentina

I grew up in America with eight channels on television. Three of them were in a language (Spanish) that I only know a handful of words, including a collection of phrases that are hardly useful in everyday conversation (tiros al arco, tiros de esquina, fuera de lugar, etc.)

Since then I have added a few more channels thanks to "my local cable provider," but only one or two that have any football ever on television in a country in which football is not a priority. So only with the advent of the glorious Internet has it become possible to follow the most beautiful game in the world from what may as well be the most remote location for loving football on earth.

While I don't have the luxury of following every game in every league across the globe due to time/job/etc., I have been fortunate enough to catch most of the Copa América and earlier this summer the Copa Oro, along with a few results from the FIFA U-20 World Cup currently underway in Canada. I also intend on keeping up with the FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Korea.

The reason is much like the reason people watch college basketball or college baseball in America - it's the constant search for the next best thing. Who's going to be hot tomorrow? Looking back at the Argentine national team in its current form, especially the team of the FIFA WC '06 in Germany, many of these players were together (under Jose Pekerman) in the youth national squads as well. And they have burgeoned into superstars.

The youth game, while not as refined as the top tier international squads, exhibits a youthful exuberance that is puro joy to watch. By and large, they are not as concerned with contracts and transfer but with arguably the single greatest honor a sportsman can have -- to represent his country on the world's greatest stage.

So keeping an eye on the U-20 is sure to give some insight into the future of these great footballing nations. From the looks of it, perhaps the next generation of footballers in America will be a touch less arrogant and actually in love with the beautiful game.