Morning Nats fans. The boys are in Mexico, plans are in the works for me to get home in time for kickoff, anticipation couldn't be at a more fevered pitch, and game time is only eight hours away.

Since the last time the US faced off against El Tri in World Cup qualifying, a few things have changed. The Americans have seemingly taken a step further in their bid to become a world player through Confederations Cup success, the Mexicans have stumbled while holding gamely onto their status as a CONCACAF powerhouse, and young players have emerged on both sides. What hasn't changed is the amount of mutual dislike. These teams, and their fans, just plain don't like each other (when it comes to the game).

Because of my truncated work schedule, I won't have much time to get in-depth into the analysis and discussion today. Instead, I'll let you do it: consider this thread open and available for your thoughts, feeling, predictions, links, etc.

Don't forget about the special post-game edition of the Match Fit USA Soccer Show tonight; start time is scheduled for 8:45 EDT, and you'll be able to listen live through the UStream player at the right side of the page. We'll be looking for you feedback on the game, be it through Twitter or email, and if you visit the actual UStream page (found here), you can chime in through the chat function there as well.

This might be the slowest eight hours ever.

A few links to tide you over:

Mexico might not have the U.S. to kick around anymore (LA Times)
U.S. tries to make history with win in Mexico (SI.com)
Donovan displays his confidence (New York Times)
Game’s Early Moments to Be Pressure Packed (NYT Goal Blog)
Soccer hornets nest awaits U.S. men's soccer team (Seattle Times)
Donovan a problem for Mexico (Columbus Dispatch)

Video of Jozy talking to the media in Mexico: