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 If Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson ever had a difficult situation heading into the hexagonal qualifiers, the USA vs Mexico qualifier will be even more difficult with the exclusion of Guardado, Torrado, Magallon, Vela, and Arce. Coupled with the fact that Eriksson's roster consists of European players that are not receiving consistent playing time such as Bravo, Dos Santos, Castillo, and Galindo, Eriksson will have to depend on his domestic based players to provide the fitness and additional work rate. Will Sven implement the same strategy that former Mexican coaches used against the USA failing to obtain results on USA soil?  The answer is No, No, and No.

 

It seems logical that Sven will try to blend his one-touch style and desire for quick play with the technical and attacking ability that has made Mexico the front runners in CONCACAF.  How can Mexico achieve a good result in Columbus? This piece will feature what tactical differences Sven will implement against the USA.

 

1. Defensive Minded: What does it mean to be defensive minded? Well, that depends on the coach and the country. With suspension and injuries affecting El Tri adversely, it is possible that Sven's strategy will be to force the USA to break down El Tri. How will he achieve this goal without Torrado?  I didn't say that it would be easy considering Torrado's exclusion, the major contributor, who assumes the midfield dirty work which allows Pardo to combine offensively. However, Sven will emphasize defensive coverage with his lineup either starting Luis Perez or Leandro Augusto in place of Torrado. Several Futbol Picante columnists suggested that Perez could play holding midfielder and Leandro Augusto could shift left allowing for substantial defensive coverage. Although this could be a good option, it would not surpise me to see a midfield composed of Pinto, Augusto, Pardo, and Dos Santos.  Pinto, Augusto and Pardo would allow for a solid defensive coverage freeing up Dos Santos to make dangerous runs.

 

The last time that the USA played Mexico in February 2008 Dempsey and Donovan torched the left side of the Mexican formation even though Guardado was playing on the left. Salcido was pulled after 55 minutes and was replaced because of his poor performance. Pinto has played left wing and back so he would be able to interchange with Salcido who attacks well from a defensive position. Pinto can cover Salcido as he makes overlapping runs and understands the importance of defensive coverage. Pinto would be a good compliment to the Eriksson strategy with his speed and defensive coverage without creating a defensive liability.

 

With Magallon injured and Galindo not playing at a high level, it will be important that Marquez keeps the defense organized and communicates as the US attempt to cross in the box from wide positions. Osorio and Salcido, the probable wing backs,  must choose their opportunities wisely as they advance in the attack. The back line must be conscience of Beasley, Donovan and Dempsey and shadow them throughout the game to limit their chances.

 

Will El Tri struggle to play under this style of defensive consciousness? Yes, but Eriksson understands that they can not continue to open up their formation for the counter attack. Eriksson should have his team ready to play disciplined and defensive oriented although it won't always be pretty. This strategy will force the USA to break down Mexico defense and score through the run of play.

 

2. Limit turnovers in the midfield: As evidence in the 2007 friendly and Gold Cup, Mexico must limit its turnovers in the midfield. It would be recommended that El Tri midfielders play quick, one touch, and movement without the ball to create space and break down US' high pressure defense. The midfield should be very congested  with the Donovan likely to apply pressure in the midfield and probable withdrawn forward Sinha adding to the congestion. How can Mexico avoid the turnover? They must limit any risking passing, utilize the flanks to create space in the US defense, and play more direct with a decent percentage of long balls to flank players and their center forward. If Mexico gives up possession, it is better that they do it with a direct and dangerous ball going forward in the attack as opposed to losing the ball in the center of the field allowing Beasley and Donovan to utilize their speed on the counter attack. Although playing this direct style is not an evident trait of recent Mexican National teams, it will be the best options for this game forcing the USA to advance the ball from the back line which is not Oneyewu and Bocanegra's strongest traits.

 

 

This soccer video displays why Mexico must limit turnovers and fouls to the USA. One goal was conceded on a turnover in transition and the other from a set piece.

 

 

3. Shadow Donovan and Beasley: Beasley and Donovan have been an important component of the US offense and their counter attack. Gifted with exceptional speed, Beasley and Donovan must be shadowed all game by Mexican players knowing where they are at all times. If Mexico commits turnovers in the midfield, the dynamic duo will make you pay by either forcing a foul for a set piece, a corner kick, or a potential goal. By limiting the US counter and break-aways in transition, Mexico will force the US to make adjustments forcing the USA into a possession oriented game.

 

4. Collective Attacking: Mexico should always be aware of who is attacking and who is the safety valve for the counter attack. If the wing backs push up in the attack or the central midfielders make a darting run towards goal, other players must be aware that they must cover their area until the stated attacking players return to their position on the field. It is the equivalent of the safety valve in the fast break. The player at the top of the key must be prepared to defend the fast break if a quick transition takes place.

 

If the USA scores early, this strategy will have to be modified to bring the result even or to create a lead. If the game remains tied late in the second half, it will be interesting to see if Mexico will go for the draw or if Eriksson advances players forward for the win. Regardless of the strategy chosen, Mexico must play a disciplined and defensive conscience game in order to seek a good result.

 

5. Concentration: The most important factor for Mexico is to maintain their concentration and composure. Cooler heads will always will prevail in a match of this magnitude, and in the case of Mexico, El Tri will have to overcome the energy of the US fans, nervousness,  and the stretch of recent poor form in the past round of qualifiers. Costly midfield turnovers, lapses of concentration, passion induced fouls, and a lack of offensive/defensive balance will culminate into a recipe for defeat in Columbus. Mexico must confront this game as any other and should avoid the antics which makes this rivalry so heated, hyped, and beloved by media and fans.

 

6. Limit fouls in their defensive third: The US will be looking for opportunities to draw fouls in or near the penalty area to take advantage of their set-piece abilities. With Magallon injured and Marquez unfamiliar with his center back partner, the US will try to exploit its' height, aerial dominance, and Mexico's lapses with man-marking.  If Mexico can man-mark well and limit the US' set pieces, they will have a good chance to frustrate and limit the USA resulting in a favorable result.

 

This piece that was written earlier this week illustrates the potential formation and lineup for Mexico after the announcement of the roster.

 

Mexican National Team Roster

Goalkeepers:Oswaldo Sanchez (Santos), Guillermo Ochoa (America), Jose de Jesus Corona (Tecos)

Defenders:Juan Carlos Valenzuela (America), Julio Cesar Dominguez (Cruz Azul), Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart, Germany), Rafael Marquez (Barcelona, Spain), Aaron Galindo (Guadalajara), Leobardo Lopez (Pachuca)

Midfielders:Fausto Pinto (Cruz Azul), Pavel Pardo (America), Leandro Augusto (Pumas), Luis Perez (Monterrey), Israel Martinez (San Luis), Antonio Naelson (Toluca)

Forwards:Alberto Medina (Guadalajara), Cesar Villaluz (Cruz Azul), Giovani Dos Santos (Tottenham, England), Matias Vuoso (Santos), Carlos Ochoa (Guadalajara), Nery Castillo (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine), Guillermo Franco (Villarreal, Spain), Omar Bravo (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain)

 

What strategy do you think Sven will implement? What formation and players will El Tri feature in this game? Are the USA the favorites in this game? Can Mexico play a more defensive approach against the USA? What are your ideas? Let us know.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Mexican Soccer: The Tactics - Sven's strategy vs the USA and the latest soccer news.