LIVESTREAM: IFAF U19 World Junior Championships – Team USA v. Team Mexico, July 18, 4 PM (5 PM EST, 11 pm CEST)

AFI | 2018 IFAF U19 World Championship | 07/18/2018

Graphic: Igor lazarevic

Team USA will be facing a dangerous foe when they take on Mexico in the second round of the 2018 IFAF U19 World Championships, July 18 in Mexico City’s Olympic Stadium.

The Mexicans will be playing at home and in that environment cannot be taken lightly. They looked impressive in the second half of their 31-14 win over Team Japan on the opening day of the six-team tournament. Meanwhile, Team USA had no trouble beating Australia’s Team Outback 38-0 in their first game.

These two teams have only played each other twice before in the U19 World Championships. In the first tournament in 2009 in Canton, Ohio, the Americans disposed of Mexico easily, beating them 55-0. The United States went on the win the tournament that year while Mexico finished fourth. Mexico did not participate in the 2012 tournament. In 2014 in Kuwait, Team USA again handled the Mexicans defeating them 49-14 in group play. Team USA also won that tournament while Mexico beat Japan 31-10 to capture the bronze.

The two teams did not play each other in the 2016 tournament held in Harbin, China.

Team USA is led by quarterback Alek Jacobs who accounted for three touchdowns in the win over Australia. The powerful rushing attack of the Americans was also apparent in the opening day win with Ward, Chaise Ellis (22) and Randy Rivera (3) leading the way.

Mexican quarterback Sebastián Hernández has offensive weapons of his own with receivers Marco Antonio Briones, Omar Rodriguez and running back Alan Reyes.

The United States have to be considered the favorites entering this game, but playing on their home turf, in front of an always wildly enthusiastic crowd, Mexico could surprise.