COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Mexico talisman Rafa Marquez believes Mexico has never had a better chance to defeat the United States in World Cup qualifying in Columbus.
The former Barcelona defender said on the eve of the game that this is the best Mexico squad he has been involved with as El Tri seeks to end its run of four consecutive 2-0 defeats in MAPFRE Stadium.
"I think it is [the best squad I've been here with]," said Marquez, who will appear for Mexico against the U.S. in Columbus for the fourth time and is participating in his fifth World Cup qualifying cycle. "We've never had so many players [13] in Europe and playing important roles in their teams."
"We want to take advantage of everything, we have to take get rid of the pessimism," added the 37-year-old, who is widely expected to start. "The team wants to write a new positive page and we hope to write a positive one tomorrow."
El Tri coach Osorio concurred, calling Friday's match against the U.S. an "extraordinary opportunity to change the story" of defeats in Columbus and adding that Mexico has "everything it needs" to earn an important three points in the Hexagonal phase opener of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.
Osorio pointed to the United States' aerial game as being an area Mexico will have to be wary of and talked of his respect for the opposition, but did say he believes El Tri is the better team in attack and hinted that his side will go out with an offensive mentality.
"We always play to win and tomorrow won't be the exception," Osorio said. "We immensely respect the United States, but we always put together a plan to win."
No stone has been left unturned in Mexico's preparation, with the players due to wear spandex shirts and clothing to help combat the cold, even though Marquez suggested temperatures aren't as low -- although the forecast is for a low of 30 degrees -- as on other occasions he has been in Columbus.
Earlier Thursday, Jurgen Klinsmann praised Osorio, saying he has a "tremendous amount" of respect for the Colombian and pointed out that his record of 12 wins in 15 games is strong, even if the lone loss was a heavy 7-0 one.
"You'd rather lose one game 7-0 than five games 1-0," said Klinsmann, who made the room full of journalists laugh with his comment that Mexico doesn't tend to be very patient with coaches.
Osorio's position is considered to be under threat should Friday's clash against the United States and next Tuesday's visit to Panama go badly wrong.