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Soccer goals: With less than two days to the match US and Mexican supporters have been anticipating for some time, it's time to take a look at the potential starting Xl for Mexico. WIth the roster consisting of European-based players and those from the Gold Cup squad, Coach Javier Aguirre must select the starting Xl that will secure the victory and valuable three points that Mexico so desperately needs.

 

These soccer videos feature an interview with Coach Javier Aguirre.

 

La Defensa: Rafa Out, Galindo in?

Without Captain Rafa Marquez sidelined with a torn calf muscle, the defense will have to be reconfigured without the iconic central defender to defend against set pieces where USA will hope to capitalize and secure the victory.  Having received news of this untimely injury, Coach Javier Aguirre should opt for Aaron Galindo who will offer decent size at 6'0 to combat the likes of Oguchi Onyewu and Carlos Bocanegra. Pairing him with the confident Jonny Magallon will allow them to match up on set pieces with the towering USMNT players. In addition, this pairing will allow both Carlos Salcido and Ricardo Osario to play their respective positions, left and right back.

 

It is important to note that Salcido has not fared well against Donovan, and it is possible that both Dempsey and Donovan could interchange position, a tactical move which witnessed a goal against both Spain and Brazil in the Confederations Cup knockout stages. It is important that both wingers track back from their midfield to provide defensive support as the wing backs advance in the attack.

 

Midfield: Guardado Questionable and Pardo omitted

So, what is Coach Javier Aguirre up to? Obviously, he possesses some form of magical elixir, omitting the central midfield Icon, Pavel Pardo. With a 5-0 thrashing of the USMNT in the Gold Cup final, the former Atletico Madrid Coach believes that his pairing of hard-tackling Gerardo Torrado and Israel Castro form the unit that will succeed Clark and Bradley. Boasting fast, talented, and young wingers will pose problems for the US defense. Giovanni Dos Santos recently experienced a fantastic Gold Cup, earning MVP honors, while Andres Guardado has always threatened the US defense with his pace, despite rumblings that he might not play for the match due to his injury.

 

With the US likely to field a back line of Bocanegra, DeMerit, Onyewu, and Spector, the diminutive Mexican wingers must utilize their speed and give-and-go play against the slower and less prone to advance in the attack. 

 

Forwards: Will he opt for an idle Nery Castillo or a young Carlos Vela?

After suffering an injury in the first USA vs Mexico confrontation and out of form in Ukranian club play, will Coach Javier Aguirre opt for the talented but volatile Nery Castillo to be paired with Guillermo Franco. Or will he opt for Arsenal Forward Carlos Vela? Although the decision would likely give the same result as a coin flip, it seems rational that Carlos Vela will receive the start to utilize his speed against the US defense. Mexico's darting runs could unbalance the US' solidity and stability. An early goal would prove insurmountable for the USMNT.

 

 

Here is a proposed lineup for the USMNT.

 

-------Franco------Vela--

Guardado-Castro-Torrado-Dos Santos

Salcido-Galindo-Magallon-Osario

---------Ocho---------

 

Keys to the Game: In order to take advantage of Mexico's speed advantage on the flanks, wingers Guardado and Dos Santos must make swift attacking runs and provide good service into the box. Add Carlos Vela's speed as another element in the attack, and the USMNT will likely falter under the altitude crushing confines of Azteca.

 

Although many have spoken about Azteca's size and roaring crowds, the altitude and contaminated air will more likely pose greater harm to a USA victory. If the USMNT can weather the storm, that is the Mexican's fierce offensive onslaught, the altitude could factor into their demise in the second half as the US player's legs wither under the oxygen restricting ambiance.

 

Depending on the first half results and unforeseeable factors, it appears that Cuauhtemoc Blanco will receive playing time in a cameo role, as he played a full 90 minutes against the Houston Dynamo. His presence and mark on the game could sway the result in the favor of El Tri, a team and a country that needs this victory in desperate fashion. A defeat could witness the CONCACAF without El Tri in the World Cup.

 

What do you think of Mexico's lineup? Do you agree with the starting Xl? Will Mexico continue to prevail at Azteca? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: What Starting Xl will the USMNT face?

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This soccer video features harsh sentiment from Mexican fans over his departure from El Tri.

 

 

 

Dear Edgar,

 

It has come to our attention that you have decided to change allegiances just, as the USA has received a meteoric rise in popularity after their Confederation's Cup final. Forgetting your passport for a qualifier, causing poor rapport with your club coaches, and failing to pay your car notes, you have demonstrated little character tactically and personally. First, you shunned the USA and, now, El Tri.

 

Boasting only two strong seasons at Santos Laguna does not qualify you as an automatic candidate to play for El Tri. With left back and wing considered one of the stronger positions in El Tri's arsenal, do you think that we will even waste our time on an Club America drop out? Look at you now, playing at Tigres. Just remember, Paco Torres switced to the Gringos and rarely earns playing time. He wouldn't even make our U-20 or U-23 Olympic teams that didn't even qualify in the CONCACAF stages. Although our youth talent has struggled in international tournaments, El Tri continues to produce the superiority, passion, skill, and arrogance that the Gringos can not duplicate.

 

Opening his arms wide  and embracing you like a son (a la Bornstein and Kljestan), Bob Bradley will call you into the mix but you will probably ride the bench just like Torres. The majority of the fans aggree that any of the USA players would  be honored to play on a team as talented as El Tri. Perhaps, Landon Donvon, if he were to switch federations and on a lucky day, would be able to start for el Vasco and el Tricolor. The remaining US players would fill out our C Team.

 

Go back to the county that raised you and don't come back. Our beautiful football overshadows your robotic tactis despite our Fifa Ranking (33rd), 4th place in World Cup qualifiers and recent stretch poor form. Remember that El Tri will always command the title of Giants of CONCACAF.

 

Atentatmente,

 

Tri Fan (Try Fan)

 

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and Soccer Videos: P.O. Box Footballer's Correspondence - Edgar Castillo receives hate mail

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In the latest soccer news: Self proclaimed Gigantes de CONCACAF (giants of CONCACAF), El Tri has fallen farther behind in qualification with a devastating 2-1 loss to El Salvador. Situated in fifth place, Mexico must win their home game against  Trinidad and Tobago who will want to steal points, despite ranking last place in the hexagonal. If they lose points against the USA or Trinidad & Tobago at home, qualification will assume a new identity as the pressure could succumb the former CONCACAF Giants. 

 

This soccer video features highlights of Mexico's 1-2 loss against El Salvador.

 

 

 

 After a coaching change was imperative after the highly controversial Hugo Sanchez yielded little success, preferring to focus on defeating the likes of Brazil and Argentina and disregarding the USA's ability and other CONCACAF rivals, Sven Goran Eriksson, who has proven himself on the international and European club level, supplanted the dynamic and controversial Sanchez. Within a few months, the Swede spoke conversational Spanish and brought a different look to the team, favoring discipline and structure over style of play. Although not as offensively appealing to the eyes as the system that Hugo Sanchez and Ricardo Lavolpe implemented, the Swedish coach stressed proper training, disclipline and fundamentals which would make his team more difficult to play against.

 

However, Coach Eriksson's imprint on the team suggested that El Tri were improving even though it did not appear evident in the scoreline. For example, while playing against the USA in Columbus, Ohio for a CONCACAF qualifier, Mexico presented problems for the US with their compact formation and composure despite the climatic and volatile environment. Although Mexico committed their normal boneheaded plays in the second half (Marquez red card and coach's love tap on Hejduk),  the game proved much closer than the score indicated.

 

When they returned to Mexico and played Costa Rica, it was evident that El Tri would make their qualifying run easier after dismantling Los Ticos. But, after the horrible 3-1 defeat to Honduras away, the media and fans clamored for the soft spoken Swede's head. Although changing coaches conjures up a potential for disarray and potential failure for 2010 qualification, it appeared evident that the Federation lost confidence in Eriksson and wanted to return to the golden years where Javier Aguirre, El Basco, revitalized a National team that struggled during qualification in 2001.

 

After another loss to an inferior team (El Salvador) on Saturday, what is apparent is that perhaps Mexico is not as good as their self proclamation, supporters, and the media would believe. One of the only bright spots on the team for El Tri was Cuauhtemoc Blanco, a true warrior and leader willing to take accountability for their performance. He embraces what the current Mexican team lacks, corazon (heart). Despite his physical deficiencies and lack of conditioning and whether you approve of his antics, Blanco wears his heart on his sleeve. Heading into their game against Trinidad and Tobago, Blanco's play warrants the start.

 

The fundamental issue with Mexico is that they assume and believe they are the best looking (most talented) in the Antro (Discoteque) and act as if their beauty (talent) is as precious as the last beer in Azteca. With the sound of house music echoing against the walls and reverbarating against the chairs, it has become evident that teams such as Honduras, El Salvador, and Costa Rica entice their girls to dance and join them at their table despite only affording the cheapest bottle of rum in the club. While they pop bubbly and sit in the lavish VIP area, it is surprising that the Mexican players have not figured out that they won't score on these girls soley based on history or legend. They must prove it amongst the smoke, flashing lights, and the hypnotic beat. Meanwhile the "ugly" and inferior CONCACAF foes hook up with their women, making them look like chumps.

 

What has become comical is that Mexico believes that their team can continue to compete solely on the fact that a reminder of their grandeur will warrant a victory, while failing to prove it where it counts which is on the field. Although Mexico boasts a great league and a "deep" player pool, it is apparent that El Tri has hit a speed bump in developing talent for the Mexican National Team and Mexican Soccer.  Pavel Pardo and Gerrardo Torrado previously offered stability in the central midfield, but it appears that their diminishing performance become greater each game. Without solid replacements to supplant these fading veterans, Mexico could suffer to qualify in the CONCACAF's top three spots. Questions marks remain at goalkeeper, defense, and at forwards where Mexico has not been able to generate positive plays during qualifying.

 

Perhaps, a humbling qualifying campaign will shake the foundation of Mexican Soccer and its fans who still ademately believe that they are CONCACAF giants. Although no one has yet assumed the crown or throne that was once occupied by El Tri, it is even more evident that Mexico does not have the players or leadership qualities to re assume their CONCACAF dominance after Torrado, Pardo, Blanco and Marquez retire from international competition. It is likely that Mexico will qualify for South Africa 2010, but the gap between leadership and young talent could set Mexico in a further decline on the international and CONCACAF level.

 

CONCACAF's other teams possess a hunger and desire to improve their play and would like nothing more to witness El Tri drinking Coronas and eating tacos at home while they participate in the South Africa. Mexico appears complacent and satisfied to rest on its laurels. A failure to qualify for South Africa 2010 could conjure a wake-up call for a National team and a soccer nation that no longer strikes the fear into their "inferior" opponents.

 

What do  you think of Mexico's Chances with only three points? Who will step up and show leadership? Is Mexico now the third best team in CONCACAF? Should Mexico have fired Sven Goran Eriksson? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: Mexican Soccer continues to struggle - Was a Coaching Change necessary? and Mexico Soccer.

 

 

 

In the latest soccer news: PO Box Footballer's Correspondence initiated out of David Beckham's dilemma with his fan mail. Since he is unable to collect all his fan mail now that he is living in Milan, Soccer Addict News felt that it was appropriate to lend a helping hand. But, it appears that other MLS players appreciate the service, and Cuauhtemoc Blanco would like for us to hold his mail while he will be away at El Tri camps.

 

After reading several PO Box Footballer Correspondence segments, Blanco would like to say his farewells to the Sweedish Coach who is currently employed by Special 1 TV.  Without further Adu, I present to you PO Box Footballer's Correspondence: Blanco Clears the Air.

 

 

 

Dear Svenster,

 

I understand that you have been through a lot in the past year and a half experiencing the great pressure that is Mexican Football (La Seleccion). However, I would like to point out that all you had to do was to beg a little bit, and I would have returned to the team without any complaints. You know that you could have counted on me because I am so good with the media and everyone loves me (with a hint of sarcasm).

 

Hugo Sanchez was unable to do anything with his team and thought that beating the USA and Honduras was overated; but, rather focus our goals on defeating the likes of Brazil and Argentina. His tenure was comical to say the least. I do understand what you were doing with the team by making us stronger in the back, but your formation and tactics lacked one thing, me. Well, actually it was misssing three components, me, myself and I. Your declared man crush on that long haired Brazilian guy really upset me and cause resentment in our relationship.

 

Many MLS viewers thought that when a line judge made a bad call that I would act like he needed glasses by covering my eyes with my hands. In actuality, I was mocking you, your funny glasses, and your womanizing smile. We could have been a good partnership like Cheech and Chong; or perhaps Nery Castillo and the Mexican Media.

 

Anyway, I would like you to know that I apologize for my actions and hope that we can be good friends again. Perhaps, we can get together sometime and go to a Strip Club where you have VIP status. Let me know either way.

 

Sincerely,

 

Your underused Mexican superstar and Icon

Cuauhtemoc Blanco

 

 

 

 

What are your thought? Would Blanco have made the difference? Was Eriksson fired prematurely?

 

Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: PO Box Footballer Correspondence - Blanco sends a letter to Sven Goran Eriksson

 

 

 

Mexican Soccer fans wanted to crawl under a rock and hide after a 3-1 thrashing by the Catrachos of Honduras. Despite Marquez and Osorio' inclusion in the back line, Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, the target of current criticism and speculation, fielded an interesting starting Xl against Honduras. The surprising exclusion of Magallon proved El Tri's down fall, falling victim to the size and speed of the Honduran's forward pairing of Costly and Pavon.

 

What was even more interesting, was Fernando Arce's omission when veteran leadership and experience could have provided additional stability to a Mexican side playing in a hostile environment. Since Rafa Marquez was placed on M.I.A. by FIFA, Mexico's defense was poised to struggle, and the speculation of Eriksson'sdismissal would emanate throughout Mexico and CONCACAF.

 

This soccer video features highlights of Honduras' victory against Mexico 3-1.

 

 

During the writing of this piece, it was announced that Sven Goran Eriksson was dismissed for El Tri's poor performances over his tenure. His dismissal indicates that Javier Aguirre will replace the Swedish coach in hopes of restoring Mexico's status in the CONCACAF.

 

With the lack of stability from a coaching and training perspective, Mexico could suffer from the implementation of new tactics and strategies. Although a coaching change will inject excitement for the upcoming qualifiers, El Tri might struggle because of the new roles that the player will assume and the learning curve involved. It is notable that the CONCACAF has improved steadily over the years while Mexico's lack of chemistry and poor play exacerbate the perception that Mexican Soccer is spiraling out-of-control.

 

The Mexican Federation must recognize that the CONCACAF poses a threat that Mexico has never confronted during their history in CONCACAF. For Mexico to improve their position, they must admit that the improved talent level and competition proves that parity exists in the CONCACAF. Suiting up in El Tricolor will not guarantee victories as was the case in previous epochs.

 

Mexico's player pool still boasts one of the deepest in CONCACAf, and the Federation hopes that the new coach will infuse chemistry and a dynamic that will propel Mexico to the pinnacle of success in CONCACAF and South Africa. Patience could have proven to be a virtue for El Tri, but with the mounting pressure and the recent lackluster performances, the Mexican Federation opined that the move was necessary for qualification and a good showing at the 2010 World Cup.

 

What are your thoughts of El Tri's performance? Are you disappointed with Sven's dismissal? Will you enjoy seeing Sven on Setanta with the Special One? What are you thoughts?

 

Included are blogs that discuss  Mexican Soccer: Will he stay or will he go? The Sven Watch and the latest soccer news

 

 

In this segment of Mexicans Abroad and latest soccer news,  Carlos Vela, Ricardo Osario, and Carlos Salcido provides strong European performances earning crucial assists in their matches.  Antonio De Nigris (Ankaragucu) and Rafa Marquez (Barcelona) contributed to their teams with playing time and experience.

 

The Mexican Abroad segment is new-and-improved highlighting the top five performers of the week. In addition, Soccer Addict News has added the relegation bound portion of this segment focusing on players that fail to earn playing time or have  poor performances. Enjoy y Disfruta!!!

 

The top five Mexicans Abroad

1. Carlos Vela (Arsenal-England) is arguably the best Mexican offensive player in Europe. Against Cardiff City, Vela played 74 minutes, attacked con ganas, and assisted on the Eduardo's header, the first goal. He worked his way into the box and sent a majestic soft cross to Eduardo who headed in the first goal. On Saturday, Vela played 27 minutes in a 0-0 draw against Sunderland. Earlier this week, Soccer Addict News featured an article on Eduardo's triumphant return.

 

This soccer video features Carlos Vela's assist in their 4-0 victory over Cardiff City.

 

 

2. Ricardo Osario (Stuttgart-Germany) played against Zenit St. Petersburg and TSG Hoffenheim playing 90 minutes in both games. Although Stuttgart lost to Zenit St. Petersburg 2-1, Osario played well against the 2008 UEFA Cup winners that boasts a wealth of offensive talent. Against TSG Hoffenheim, the Mexican right back offered an assist with a through ball to Mario Gomes for the superb header finishing with a 3-3 draw.

 

This soccer video features Osario's assist to Gomes in the 63rd minute.

 

 

3. Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindenhoven-Holland) played ninety minutes and added an assist against FC Groningen winning 1-0. Salcido stole the ball in the midfield during stoppage time, dribbled to the box generating the attack, and passed the ball to Nijland who centered the ball leading to the last minute header by Danko Lazovic. What an incredible finish.

 

This soccer video features Salcido's assist in the 7:30 minute mark of the video. 

 

 

4. Antonio De Nigris (Ankaragucu-Turkey) helped his team to a 2-1 win against Istanbul Buyuksehir BSK playing 85 minutes. De Nigris has started to earn playing time again after a recent rough spell.

 

5. Rafa Marquez (Barcelona-Spain) played 90 minutes for Barcelon in a 1-2 loss to Espanyol. Marquez continues to claim the title for best Mexican player.

 

Relegation Bound- Players who are sitting and not impressing.

1. Nery Castillo (Shakhtar Donetsk-Ukraine) injured himself in the USA vs Mexico qualifier in Columbus. His lack of playing time and his Manchester City Missing-in-Action (MIA) moment contributed to his demise and recent injury. His statements that El Tri is superior to the USA backfired after they lost the game 2-0. El Tri needs an in-form Nery Castillo for the upcoming qualifiers.

 

2. Giovanni Dos Santos (Tottenham-England) played 69 minutes against Shakhtar Donetsk in UEFA Cup play losing 0-2. Dos Santos was not included in the 18 man roster as Tottenham defeated Hull City 2-1.  After partying hard at the Tottenham Christmas party, Dos Santos suffers from a residual cruda (hangover) as his performance has been poor on the club and international level.

 

3. Omar Bravo (Deportivo Coruna-Spain) is poised to make a return to Mexican futbol if he does not start earning playing time. He played 28 minutes in Deportivo's loss to Aalborg 0-3. Bravo did not feature in a 1-1 draw against Valencia.

 

Links from other websites that discuss Mexican Abroad.

Cesar Garcia of goal.com discusses the Mexicans Abroad paving the way.

This post discusses the American's abroad performance Feb 21-23rd.

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What do you think of Vela's assist? How did your favorite Mexican player do this week? Will Omar Bravo return to the Primera Division Mejicana?  Did you like the last minute heroics of Carlos Salcido?  Que opinas? Estas en tu casa....expresate!!!

 

Included are blogs that discuss Mexican Soccer: Mexicans Abroad February 17th-23rd -Carlos Salcido assists on last minute heroics, Mexico Soccer and the latest soccer news.