In the storied history of the USA-Mexico men's soccer rivalry, a particular scoreline has become deeply embedded in the lore, evoking contrasting emotions for each nation's fans. "Dos a Cero," Spanish for "Two to Zero," has evolved into a symbol of US dominance over their southern neighbors, particularly in the early 2000s. This signature scoreline is more than just a result; it represents a shift in the power dynamic of North American soccer and a source of pride for the USMNT.
The USA-Mexico rivalry stretches back to 1934, with their first encounter being a World Cup qualifier held in Rome, Italy, which the US won 4-2. However, for much of the 20th century, Mexico held the upper hand. Before the modern era, Mexico had a firm grip on the rivalry, winning 21 of 24 matches at one point. The USMNT struggled to find consistent success against "El Tri".
The phrase "Dos a Cero" gained prominence after the US victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 at the 2002 World Cup. This 2-0 win, with goals from Brian McBride and Landon Donovan, marked a turning point in the rivalry. It was the first time the US had beaten Mexico in a World Cup, a feat that remains unique. Following this victory, the US began to assert its dominance, particularly in World Cup qualifying matches held in Columbus, Ohio.
From 2002 to 2014, the USMNT remarkably defeated Mexico 2-0 in every World Cup qualifying match played in Columbus. This repeated scoreline led to the popularization of the "Dos a Cero" chant among American fans, becoming a symbol of their team's superiority. The once-feared trips to Columbus became a source of anxiety for Mexico, as the USMNT consistently secured victories on home soil. The "Dos a Cero" phenomenon wasn't just about the scoreline; it represented a shift in the balance of power in North American soccer. The US, fueled by the growth of MLS and increased investment in the sport, was finally challenging Mexico's long-held dominance.
Despite the USMNT's success in Columbus and the overall shift in the rivalry, Mexico still holds the advantage in the overall series, with 37 wins to the US's 24, and 17 draws. However, in competitive matches, the US has a slight edge, with 16 wins to Mexico's 14. The "Dos a Cero" streak in Columbus was eventually broken in 2016 when Mexico won 2-1. In the 2010s, Mexico regained some footing, but the US has recently enjoyed a resurgence. A notable "Dos a Cero" victory occurred in a November 2021 World Cup qualifier in Cincinnati, adding another chapter to the rivalry.
The "Dos a Cero" scoreline has become ingrained in the culture surrounding the USA-Mexico rivalry. It is a rallying cry for US fans, a symbol of past triumphs and a reminder of their team's potential. While the rivalry continues to evolve, with both teams experiencing periods of success, "Dos a Cero" remains a significant part of its history, representing a period of US ascendancy and a testament to the passion and intensity that defines this North American soccer clash. Out of 78 matches, 14 have ended with the score 2-0.
