Despite Recent Past, USA, Mexico Embark on Parallel Paths to Start New World Cup Cycle

Mexico's 2018 World Cup cycle was clearly superior to the USA's in every facet, but the international game doesn't always lend itself to a linear path. Both Concacaf rivals have reset and start the road to Qatar in similar manners.

A funny thing happens after the conclusion of a World Cup. The four-year vacuum is sealed, and for almost every competitive national team in the world, there's a reboot of sorts.

For some, there's a minor rejuvenation, either involving an amicable coaching change or the phasing out of a few older players and the introduction of their replacements. For others, there's a larger overhaul, necessitated either by poor results and/or the natural evolution of a player…