The United States will play Mexico for the 40th time on March 13. The first encounter came in 1934, with entry into the second World Cup at stake. Hundreds of well-wishing Mexican fans bid farewell to their team at the San Lazaro train station in the nation’s capital. The train wasn’t going north. It took the players to a Veracruz port, where they boarded a German ship for Italy — because the match between the neighbors would take place in Rome. The United States won, 4-2. The Mexicans, with return tickets invalid for weeks, were stuck in Europe without cash. Three players were sold to Spanish clubs for funds to send the rest home. Mexico would not lose to the United States for the next 46 years. Not until the 1990s would the United States consistently play at on par with Mexico. But Mexico continues to have an edge — a home-field advantage on both sides of the border, thanks to the large U.S. Mexican-American population. In 1997, the tables turned and the 120,000 fans at Azteca Stadium began cheering the U.S. as it stifled the Tricolor .in Mexico City in a 0-0 tie. It ultimately led to the ouster of Bora Milutinovic, who had beaten Mexico twice when he coached the United States. The Mexican media hailed then-U.S. coach Steve Sampson, lauding his tactics and his command of Spanish. Again, a Mexico game boosted Sampson’s stock. His 4-0 U.S. Cup win in 1995, and a tiebreaker victory a month later in the Copa America, helped earn him the full-time position and elevated the United States’ international reputation. Now, two of the world’s largest neighboring countries — with a long intertwined history — have a sporting rivalry that promises drama and excitement with each encounter. Thanks to soccer. FANS: LET’S HEAR YOUR VIEW What are your thoughts about the U.S.-Mexico rivalry? Click here to log onto (Soccer) American Graffiti. Then click on the topic entitled “YOUR VIEW: The unique rivalry” and respond to Mike Woitalla in 200 words or less. Don’t hold nothin’ back! Best responses may be reprinted in Soccer America Magazine. If YOUR View is selected, we’ll send you a cool t-shirt and pin… Because You’re FANATIC.