Herrera finalized his roster for Ecuador and Paraguay (Getty)
Keepers: Ochoa, Corona
Defenders: Torres Nilo, Layún, Paul Aguilar, Aldrete, Reyes, Ayala, Moreno, Alanís, Julio C. Domínguez, Maza
Midfielders: Vázquez, Herrera, Dueñas, Corona, Damm, Guardado, J. dos Santos, Güemez, Medina
Forwards: dos Santos, Jiménez, Eduardo Herrera, Chicharito
Notes: Rafa Márquez was dropped from the list due to minor knee injury. Carlos Vela will also miss the friendlies due to injury. However, it is reported that he is recovering well and will be playing with Real Sociedad very soon.
Mexico faces Ecuador on Saturday, March 28, at the Colosseum in Los Angeles. Mexico will then play Paraguay on Tuesday, March 31, in Kansas City.
Cubo Torres gets his chance to shine with the Senior side (Getty)
Well, its time again for some El Tri action. It’s time to start the road to 2015 and the challenges coming up. Below is the roster Herrera and co. put together for the friendlies against Chile (Sept. 6) and Bolivia (Sept. 9):
Goalkeepers: Ochoa, Muñoz
Defenders: Maza, Ayala, Layún, Paul Aguilar, Mier, Ponce, Oswaldo Alanís, Miguel A. Herrera, Luis Venegas
Midfielders: Guardado, Aquino, Fabián, Herrera, Vázquez, Antonio Ríos, Rodolfo Pizarro
Forwards/Strikers: Giovani dos Santos, Peralta, Javier Orozco, Erick ‘Cubo’ Torres
After a sloppy 2013, Mexico wants nothing more than to silence the critics in 2014 (Reuters)
It feels like it was only a year ago that Mexico landed in South Africa to kick off the 2010 World Cup. However, by summertime, Mexico will be in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup. After a shaky 2013, Mexico needs to really shake off the dust and understand the worst is behind them. With that said, here are the major question marks and positives heading into 2014 for El Tri.
Question Mark I: Will the Euro’s finally gel?
One of the most haunting aspects of the 2013 year was the total drop-off in chemistry with the Euro’s and domestic players. In 2011-12, the team had some hiccups, but for the most part did the job. There was little doubt with who lead the team, but as soon as 2013 arrived, things went haywire. The chemistry was way off, communication lacked, and Mexico never got a hold of the Hex. Even when the team needed the big name players to step up…it was usually the domestic players who put the team on their back. Now that Mexico has new direction, we will have to wait and see if they can once and for all find that form which helped claimed silverware in 2011-12.
Positive I: Winning the playoff will cause a healthy competition for spots
Miguel Herrera took a full Liga MX team to play New Zealand for the 2014 Intercontinental playoff. The choice was risky, but in the end was successful. Mexico’s domestic players didn’t crumble under pressure, and for once looked like a Mexico who was having fun. Now, the bigger stars for Mexico who were not called will have to step their game up in 2014. Because Mexico booked its 2014 ticket without them.
Question Mark II: Oribe+Raúl? Oribe+Chicharito? One striker?
Mexico scored a minimum of 4 goals in each game in November. There were some bumps with the defense, but scoring was not one of them. Raúl Jiménez and Peralta were a successful pair in the new-look Mexico. Which begs the question…what will happen when Chicharito returns? If Hernández catches fire, does Raúl sit? Or does Chicharito come off the bench as a super-sub? All these factors can be good problems to have…but also could be a headache if not sorted out.
Positive II: The midfield is no longer a weakness
Throughout the Hex and Confederations Cup, Mexico’s midfield was a mess. Several rotations made its way around, but nothing was successful. However, Herrera adding guys like Montes and Peña to the starting XI became a blessing. They continued their roll from Club to Country, and the youth aspect has been a sight for sore eyes. Gone are the days when Mexico called up “vets” in hopes that they would carry form which they once had in World Cup pasts.
Question Mark III: Will the Vela saga end?
From a spectators point of view, there is no reason why Vela has not put on La Verde since 2011. Yet, we do not know what really is going on between Carlos and the FMF. Giovani has backed Vela’s choice to decline the call-ups, and blasted the federation. He would also then say that his return to El Tri would be welcomed. Herrera also added that he would search out Vela if he stays manager for 2014. All are positive signs, but there is still no guarantee that Vela is going to be headed to Brazil 2014. The drama which started early in 2012 could very well be around by June 2014…which helps no one.
Positive III: Plenty of time to add new names
It might not seem like there is a lot of time till the 2014 World Cup, but there are many warmups ahead. This is a perfect time to throw some young blood onto the proving ground. When spots are on the line for the World Cup, players will do everything they can to get noticed. We could see the likes of Alan Pulido, Ulises Dávila, Tecatito Corona in 2014. We saw new guys like Escoboza step up when the time was right, so there is no reason to give some others a major shot to impress. This in turn creates passion, motivation, and thins out who really deserves to be in Brazil.
Mexico has a long road ahead until June, but there is no time to waste. El Tri has plenty of problems to sort out, but also has hope while looking forward to the World Cup. When the odds were against them, Mexico still survived. A solid run in Brazil will wash away the sins from 2013.
Mexico opens up the road to Brazil on January 29, 2014 against the Korea Republic (San Antonio).
Jiménez scored the second goal for Mexico (Selección Nacional de Mexico)
This was it.
Mexico was down to its last hope to qualify for the FIFA 2014 World Cup.
Mexico hosted New Zealand, who would be El Tri’s rival for this two-legged playoff. The game had a lot of tension before kickoff due to a lot of questions…
Is Piojo too bull-headed to lead Mexico? Can Mexico gel against a taller, more physical team? Can Mexico break the bunker?
After 31 minutes and several close attempts…its was Paul Aguilar who netted a goal to lift El Tri. Mexico’s possession and passing after the goal became much more rhythmic. Just eight minutes later, Raul Jiménez headed a goal off an corner and assist from Peña.
Mexico went into the half with their heads held high, but knew the game was far from over. May pundits claimed that Mexico needed at least two goals to make sure they can play with some confidence in New Zealand. Well, after two minutes into the half, Rafa passed a beauty to Layún, then Layún gave a nice assist to Peralta. Mexico was sitting with a nice 3 goal lead.
Mexico went fairly slow after the third goal, and the possession then shifted towards New Zealand. The pressure was on the Kiwi’s and Mexico needed capitalize.
Oribe once again headed a goal from a Layún cross. 4-0 was the lead that the Azteca craved. It was a lead that had been missing for ages with this Mexican side.
But it wasn’t over as Rafa, the skipper, headed another in the 83rd minute off a corner. New Zealand knew it was over, but a consolation goal was scored in the 84th minute by Christian James.
Nevertheless, the goal from New Zealand didn’t do much as Mexico was locked in for a comfortable trip to New Zealand.
On a last note, New Zealand will lose key players for the last match; Chris Wood, Vicelich, and Andrew Durante.
Mexico is in need of a leader and Gio could be the answer (AP)
Mexico has been playing very ugly football.
Beginning with a dismal 1-0 over Jamaica, followed by two scoreless draws…everyone who wears green on game-day has been hanging their head.
But hold your horses…
despite the poor showing in June, Mexico is still in qualifying position. Actually, as long as Costa Rica does not lose on Tuesday, Mexico will at worst be in the fourth position. This is not even counting if the USA wins on Tuesday, which in addition will keep Mexico in third position (thanks rivals).
On Sunday, Mexico has a big game. It will be a new start. A quick one? Yes. But nonetheless, El Tri can redeem itself just days after the poor 0-0 against Costa Rica.
Here are three reasons Mexico and its fans should be excited for the Confederations cup.
1) Mexico will not be facing bunker ball
Mexico is heading into a very talented group. Italy, Brazil (host), and Japan will be going after El Tri guns blazing. But this is a good thing. Mexico has been playing CONCACAF teams who have been paying with eight, nine, sometimes ten players back defending. There will be none of this when Mexico faces off with Italy. No there is no guarantee than all of a sudden Mexico will just dominate. However, this does mean that teams will be playing more into Mexico’s game. The counter is where Mexico likes to punish teams, and the opportunities will be there in this tournament.
2) Mexico tends to play up to the bigger names
There are two sides of the coin to this one. Mexico has been known to play better against the bigger names, but then play down to the smaller ones. In the group Mexico is in, there are no smaller teams. All three foes are top nations who want nothing more but to go out and win. We have seen Mexico’s potential in the past, and with all the negativity surrounding them…El Tri will want nothing more but to silence the critics.
3) Go big or go home
There is nothing left but to go out and put it all on the line. Mexico does have concerns heading into the cup, but to be honest, so does every team. Italy has looked rusty, Brazil has been on a roller-coaster since 2012, and despite the talent, Japan doesn’t always play up to par with bigger name teams. For Mexico, as mentioned, a good tournament and the momentum will do wonders. Flop out of the tournament? The FMF will make major changes, and new management will take over. If Mexico can’t succeed in the region and international cups with the talent they have, then someone isn’t leading the team efficiently.
Will the good and bad pressure make Mexico the better team? Will it make the players wake up? Can they shake off the bad energy? Lots of questions, but there is only one answer…take the pitch and play passionate football for ninety minutes on Sunday.
Mexico takes on Euro powerhouse Italy on Sunday, June 16th.
Chicharito continues his great form with Mexico (USA Today)
Mexico played in an action packed match last night in Houston, TX. The game started heavily in favor of Mexico, but a red card sent Barrera to the bench and Nigeria would eventually take a 1-2 lead. Mexico persevered and in the second half. Chicharito found the back of the net to make it 2-2. It was another draw, but with the circumstances, El Tri has reason to hold their heads high.
1) Mexico’s passion was at an all-time high for this year
When Mexico was playing with 11 on the pitch, they had total control of the game. Barrera split defenders, Chicharito had a couple of good runs, Guardado was chasing down the ball etc. Everything was going right for Mexico. However, when Barrera got the red it looked like Nigeria was going to run the game. Yet, Mexico saw a 1-2 scoreline and lost no confidence. The play of Chicharito, Guardado, Flores, Zavala and crew was stellar. Even with the scoreline 2-2, and a man down, Mexico had several close opportunities to win. This new boost in rhythm should transfer right into CONCACAF WCQ.
2) Zavala and Herrera must start
Torrado opened up the game with Zavala, but soon would be seen as Mexico’s major weak link. Torrado was having trouble pushing forward and really found himself passing back more than to the attack. When Herrera came into the match, Mexico countered with fluidity. Attack after attack, El Tri was able cause problems for the defense. Moreover, Zavala was able to fall back and help the defense (even having solid slide tackles). These two need to continue gaining a chemistry, because they are young and have plenty of talent.
3) Nigeria should be a favorite to advance in their Confed. cup group
Although Mexico clearly should to be the better team for most of the game, Nigeria was still a dangerous side. Grouped with Uruguay, Spain, and Tahiti, Nigeria has plenty of weapons to do damage in the Confederations cup. What would be even more intriguing is if Mexico and Nigeria could find themselves in a rematch. Throughout the game, the two squads had scrums, hard tackles, and handful of yellow cards. It would make for a great Confederations cup game if Mexico can manage to face off with the Super Eagles.
Mexico will now head to Jamaica for WCQ. The month of June is going to be very important for El Tri as they have three qualification games, as well as the Confederations cup. Mexico will battle Jamaica on June 4th.
Ochoa may be exiting Ajaccio for Napoli in Italy (Getty)
Club América has been crowned champions of Liga MX. Their epic comeback in the late minutes sent the game to overtime and then PK’s. América would go on to win 4-2 in the penalty kicks over rival Cruz Azul.
With the Liga MX championship achieved, Diego Reyes will prepare to join F.C. Porto this summer.
Tijuana faced Atlético Mineiro in the Copa Libertadores this past week. A 2-0 victory was erased late in the game as Atlético Mineiro managed to claim a draw in the home of the Xolos. Tijuana will travel to Brazil to take on the second leg on May 30th.
Oribe Peralta will be removed from Mexico’s roster for June due to an injury. Gerardo Flores of Cruz Azul (Defender) will take over his spot.
El Tri is already meeting up in Houston to begin training for the Nigeria friendly (May 31st). The friendly will be the only tune up before June WCQ and the Confederations cup.
Mexico has put up 12 goals and has given up zero in qualification. (CONCACAF)
With mixed results in the qualification, many had fears of an upset by Jamaican foes. For example, Panama was a heavy favorite against El Salvador, but the Salvadorians put a 3-1 hurting on the Panamanians.
However, Mexico assured the fans no upset was in store. In the 12th minute, Zamorano shot a rocket which found the back of the net for El Tri. The lead gave Mexico some comfort room, but the crowd knew another goal would solidify a trip to Turkey 2013.
Marco Bueno did just that. A lofting cross found Bueno right on the forehead for the 2-0 lead into the half. Mexico was clicking on all cylinders.
The goal of the game was easily #3. Flores took a free kick, which the ball curved absolutely perfectly past the Jamaican keeper.
To wrap it up (as if the game wasn’t already in the books), Escoboza scored the last goal in the 75th minute.
Mexico is now guaranteed a spot for the World cup this summer. Yet, up next is a rematch against El Salvador (March 1). The other match up will be Cuba vs USA, which both teams have looked sharp.
Vamos Mexico!
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