Even when there was next to no traction, there was tradition.
Back when American soccer was many miles from the mainstream and when the World Cup may as well have been staged on Mars, the U.S. men and Mexico were playing for passage to the tournament.
Technically, the first qualifier between the neighbors (and first meeting, period) was in far-off Rome, just three days before the start of the 1934 World Cup proper. The U.S. traveled by boat. The Americans then triumphed thanks to four goals from future Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Rams coach Aldo ‘Buff’ Donelli, earning the right to get blasted, 7–1, by the host Italians shortly thereafter. Around 10,000 fans attended that inaugural…
