Klinsmann at a crossroads.

USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has decisions to make.

The United States Men's National Team should be approaching Tuesday's game against Mexico with more hope than usual. Last year saw their first ever triumph against El Tri on Mexican soil. Neither country brought a full-strength side, but the 1-0 win was a fantastic occasion.

Likewise, Friday's victory against Costa Rica means that only a draw (and a point) is needed at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca.

But unfortunately, last week saw the publication of the now-ubiquitous Sporting News article by Brian Straus. The exposé revealed growing divisions within the squad and a perceived lack of belief in coach Jurgen Klinsmann's tactical acumen.

On what exactly I am doing here.

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"People ask me why I don't retire after so many years in the game, but how could anyone with an ounce of passion for football in their soul voluntarily walk away from the opportunity to be involved in this type of occasion?" -- Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, before his side's UEFA Champions League clash with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Ferguson has coached Manchester United for 27 years, winning just about every trophy available in that time and firmly establishing United as a global superpower. He has repeatedly defied those who see his age and incumbency as handicaps, and he now defies the broader European movement towards younger, more stylish, and more academic managers.

I harbor a strong dislike for Sir Alex Ferguson. He manages the team that I hate more than any other (in any sport). He insults referees when they rule against his players, and then insults the English Football Association for daring to punish him for doing so. He's smug, conceited, and entitled. A crotchety, wine-nosed old autocrat. And a genius. More on him some other time. Maybe.