Columbus, OH (My Sportsbook) - United States captain Carlos Bocanegra believed it was foolish to underestimate Mexico in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier, even though the Americans have dominated the rivalry this decade.

The United States, which still trails in the all-time series, is 8-0-2 at home since 2000 against Mexico. During that span, the U.S. has scored 17 goals while allowing just three.

So, when the Americans open the last round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2010 World Cup against Mexico at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, they do enter the match as favorites.

However, the U.S. cannot rely on the past, Bocanegra said.

"As much as the scores of late have been in our favor," Bocanegra said. "it's going to be a difficult game and we know we're going to have to work and play hard to beat these guys."

U.S. coach Bob Bradley is confident the team is ready for Mexico, saying there was a different mentality during preparation.

"You can tell from the way everybody arrived that there is a focus and a sense of excitement about playing Mexico," Bradley said.

Bradley called his top squad for Wednesday's match, bringing 13 foreign-based players - including 12 from Europe - to the United States for the match.

Bocanegra, who plays for Rennes in France, knows how important it is to start off with a win, especially in a battle of the top two teams in the region. The U.S. is ranked 22nd in the world and Mexico is 26th (the new poll is released Wednesday).

"The Mexico game is always big for us, that's our main rival and we're their main rival," said Bocanegra, who has played 62 times for the U.S. "This match though is pretty special just because it starts off the last round of [World Cup] qualifying and we want to start off on a positive note."

In addition to its success against Mexico, the United States has dominated all of its regional rivals since 2001 on American soil. The U.S. has not lost to a regional opponent at home in 50 consecutive matches, amassing a 40-0-10 record.

The Americans were impressive in the World Cup qualifying last year, posting a 7-1-0 mark - the only loss was when the team already secured advancement to the final stage. Overall, the U.S. was 9-3-2 last year and posted nine shutouts.

Goalie Tim Howard, who starts for Everton in England, will continue his No. 1 role against Mexico.

"It deserves to be up there with the biggest rivalries in sports," Howard said. "It's not going to be at this point, but to see a game live and really witness it, a lot of fans would be surprised at how passionate and how rough it really is."

United States all-time leading scorer Landon Donovan, who is on loan from MLS's Los Angeles to Germany's Bayern Munich, returns to guide the offense.

The United States' only concerns are the losses of Steve Cherundolo, who is out with a strained hip flexor, and Pablo Mastroeni, who will serve a one-match suspension.

The Mexicans have more woes with Carlos Vela, Fernando Arce and Gerardo Torrado all suspended. Plus, Andres Guardado and Jonny Magallon have been ruled out due to injury.

In addition, new coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is on the hot seat after struggling through the early stages of his time with Mexico. A loss to the U.S. could end his short tenure as Mexico's coach.

Bradley isn't concerned at all about those situations, focusing just on Mexico. Despite the recent coaching switch, Bradley believes Mexico is still basically the same side the U.S. is used to playing.

"I think the style is the same. The talent is there and we know it will be a good game," Bradley said. "They'll work hard, try to keep the ball moving as they always do and they'll have a lot of energy. I think they'll be ready to put their best foot forward."

The U.S., along with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago, is competing in the 10-game round-robin format through Oct. 14. The top three teams automatically advance to the World Cup.