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The heart of the U.S. vs. Mexico soccer rivalry beats in the American heartland

(Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — To find one of the world’s great international soccer rivalries, one must travel to the heart of the Buckeye State, ride along Interstate 71, past the state fairgrounds and, if you choose to take the back entrance, wind around Frisch’s Big Boy and Lowe’s.

There sits Mapfre Stadium, formerly Columbus Crew Stadium, where, on a quadrennial schedule since 2001, the U.S. and Mexican national teams have clashed in a World Cup qualifier.

Capacity is less than 25,000. Many fans will watch from metal bleachers. The private boxes are barely private.