The rivalry between the USA and Mexico fosters a sense of pride for one fanbase while fueling the fervor of another. Whether during intense World Cup matches or casual exhibition games, the energy among American fans is palpable, often showcased through their merchandise and spirited performances.
The phrase “Zero from 2!”—”2 to zero” in Spanish—has become emblematic of this rivalry.
“Dos a Cero” is a term forever linked to the men’s soccer competition between Mexico and the USA. (Credit: Paul Vernon/AFP via Getty Images)
The 2-0 scoreline has significant implications for the United States, particularly as the dynamic of the rivalry has evolved from Mexico’s historical domination to a more competitive landscape since the early 2000s.
So, what does “From 2 to zero” represent, and why has it gained traction? Let’s explore.
Overview of the USA-Mexico Rivalry
The history of men’s soccer between the USA and Mexico stretches back to 1934, although the sport didn’t fully establish roots in either country until later.
The first encounter resulted in a 4-2 victory for the United States during a World Cup qualifier in Rome ahead of the 1934 tournament. However, Mexico dominated throughout much of the century, with the USMNT not achieving a win until 1980.
Overall, the teams have faced each other 78 times, with Mexico leading the series with 37 wins compared to the USA’s 24 victories and 17 draws. Notably, Mexico has only lost once on home soil in a friendly match in 2012.
Before the year 2000, Mexico dominated the United States in men’s soccer. (Photo: Jeong Motang/AFP via Getty Images)
However, competitive matches such as World Cup qualifiers, Gold Cup showdowns, and actual World Cup events have seen the US become increasingly competitive. The US has secured 16 wins in these competitive clashes, while Mexico has 14, alongside nine draws.
The rivalry has evolved significantly, especially as many players have become stars in major European leagues. (Photo: Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Speaking of competitive history, the teams clashed at the World Cup in 2002, where the US defeated Mexico, advancing to the quarterfinals. This match took place in Korea, marking one of the few encounters outside of North America.
Following the 1994 World Cup hosted in the USA and the inception of Major League Soccer in 1996, interest in soccer surged, reshaping the rivalry. Since 2000, the USMNT has won 20 matches while Mexico has won 19 (with four draws).
“Cold War” Enhances the Scoreline’s Significance
A friendly match at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 5, 2000, became a pivotal moment for this rivalry, marking the debut of USMNT legend Landon Donovan.
Landon Donovan’s debut for the USMNT featured a 2-0 triumph over Mexico. (Credit: Jeff Gross / All Sports)
Five months later, the teams faced off again, but this time under starkly different conditions: a freezing World Cup qualifier in Ohio on February 28, 2001. Known as the “Cold War” match, this game saw goals from Josh Wolf and Annie Stewart sealing another 2-0 win for Mexico.
That match solidified the rivalry, with another encounter on June 17, 2002, during the World Cup, resulting in a 2-0 victory for the US, effectively securing their advancement to the quarterfinals.
For the following World Cup qualifying matches held in Columbus from 2005 to 2013, each resulted in the same 2-0 scoreline, leading to speculation that a “curse” surrounded it. In 2013, Clint Dempsey tallied a penalty kick but intentionally missed to uphold the iconic score.
“No, I always aim to score… I was just a bit tired,” Dempsey commented after that game.
US midfielder Alejandro Bedoya also referred to the recurrence of the scoreline, calling it “mystical,” as if a ghost haunted the rivalry.
Wins with the same 2-0 scoreline in exhibition matches in 2007 and 2015 made fans believe in the “From 2 to zero” curse.
The “Dos a Cero” result has lingered, casting a long shadow over the rivalry. (Photo: Andy Mead/YCJ/ICON SMI/ICON SMI)
The Curse is Lifted – A New Chapter for “Dos a Cero”
The USMNT’s 2018 World Cup qualifying period remains marked by the distressing loss to Trinidad and Tobago that prevented their qualification for Russia. Simultaneously, signs hinted at a downturn for the US team.
The first sign? Mexico broke their “curse” in the World Cup qualifying match in Columbus. Rafael Marquez’s late goal on November 11, 2016, led to Mexico’s 2-1 victory.
“This was a new chance to create a new story for all of us,” Marquez stated post-match. “It had been a long time without us winning here, even in the cold and against the odds.”
The “Dos a Cero” curse was broken in 2016, casting uncertainty over the US soccer team. (Photo: Robin Arum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
However, the US’s next match saw them fall 4-0 to Costa Rica, and they struggled through the rest of qualifying, ultimately missing out on the World Cup.
Yet, “From 2 to zero” did not vanish for long. The USMNT claimed a 2-0 victory over Mexico in a World Cup qualifier held in Cincinnati on November 21, 2021. This match reignited the phrase, backed by comments from Christian Pulisic regarding the Texas rivalry with Mexico.
Christian Pulisic’s goal marked a significant moment in the revived rivalry in 2021. (Photo: John Dorton/ISI Photo/Getty Images)
The US faced Mexico once more on March 24, 2024, during a match that bore trophies on the line, where Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna helped secure a 2-0 win, earning the CONCACAF Nations League Trophy on Mexican soil at AT&T Stadium in Texas.
In a surprising twist, Mexico eventually claimed their own “From 2 to zero” under Mauricio Pochettino’s management, achieving a 2-0 win over the USMNT on October 15, 2024.
Although it was a friendly match, Pochettino’s introduction to the rivalry ended with a 2-0 loss. (Photo: John Dorton/ISI Photos for US Soccer)
Both the USMNT and Mexico aim to conclude the summer season on a high note, with expectations for an exciting Gold Cup final in Houston. The possibility of witnessing the iconic scoreline reappear adds an intriguing twist to this heated rivalry.
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Fan Take: This ongoing rivalry matters to soccer enthusiasts because it symbolizes the growing competitiveness and passion in North American soccer. With both teams eager to prove themselves on such a public stage, every match has the potential to ignite national pride and elevate the sport’s profile in both countries.
