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.
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