USA edge closer to World Cup berth after gritty stalemate at Azteca

• Americans can clinch World Cup place against Panama
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Concacaf's fiercest rivalry took center stage in Mexico City on Thursday to launch their final campaign for World Cup qualification. With three matches remaining, tied on points and a pair nations at their heels, Mexico and the United States played for more than just qualification and the night before them.

They played amidst history, competing in the knowledge that this shared tradition might not come back around any time soon. For Mexico, they played for redemption of a beleaguered federation beset with controversy, eager for victory against the border rival they've lost to three times in a row. The US played in the shadow of failed qualification for the 2018 tournament, determined not to repeat the mistake, confident in the talent they have in their ranks now.