It would seem like a horrible April fool’s gift for all Mexican Soccer fans. I could not help but watch a useless Mexico side be torn apart by a very smart and strategic Honduras Team. Mexico deserved the defeat. But what is next will be as controversial as tonight’s result.
Mexico started with various changes, changes which did not seem logical. Saturday’s team was much better than tonight’s. The starting eleven was a disaster from start to finish.
The First Half
It was a dull and slow first half watching Mexico. Honduras, on the other hand, was the better team. Mexico’s entire lineup contained various changes and perhaps this was the cause for their most horrific performance for the first 45 minutes of the match. In Mexico’s defense, Leobardo Lopez and Fausto Pinto, Saturday’s starting defense, were accompanied by Carlos Salcido and Jonny Magallon. In the midfield, three regulars: Leandro Agusto, Pavel Pardo, and Andres Guardado were joined by Luis Ernesto Perez. Attacking were Omar Bravo and Carlos Vela.
The pace was slower, the passing was irregular and passes were careless. Mexico surely demonstrated that there was no team spirit or motivation. The defense was a disaster, even with the presence of a powerhouse like Salcido. Leobardo Lopez made an early exit after injuring his knee on an attack attempted on Honduras goal. Aaron Galindo, who did start on Saturday, was subbed in but did not show much effort on his part.
Although Mexico did manage to have possession in Honduras area, the team did not create any sense of danger, including the corner kicks and free kicks they were awarded. The free kicks, on behalf of Mexico, were the most frightening. Two minutes into the match Mexico was awarded their 1st free kick. Luis Perez was the fortunate one to take the first unsuccessful, but good, attempt.. At the 17th minute, Leandro Agusto attempted a free kick which did not have enough power and not enough direction. Pavel Pardo would take a free kick 28 minutes into the match, the one attempt which was the closest of them all, but missing by a few inches.
Honduras proved much more effective both defensively and offensively. The Honduran team played the same way Mexico did this past Saturday against Costa Rica. There were a few rough plays and fouls made by Honduran players, one being awarded a yellow.
Honduras would lead when they scored their first goal 11 minutes into the match, thanks to Carlos Costly. After some good short passes and some technical defensive strategies Honduras would score again from a great play, which began from the short passing. Carlos Pavon would give Honduras a 2 goal lead on the 43rd minute of play.
The Second Half
The second half began with a slower pace for Honduras, which would benefit their lead. Mexico would start a with a little more intensity but not fully immersed into the match. Matias Vuoso would come into the 2nd half substituting Luis Ernesto Perez. This meant a change in formation from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 formation.
Mexico would create some danger for the Honduras side 11 minutes into the second half when Mexico could have cut the lead in half. From a corner kick headed away from the goal area, Mexico would deliver a powerful kick which would luckily land into the hands of Honduras goalie. A few minutes later Carlos Vela would attempt a shot on goal which would prove ineffective to shake Honduras.
The best for sports fans, or worst for Mexico would soon come. Omar Bravo would be subbed out on minute 67 and Mexico’s most polemic player, recently, Nery Castillo would come in. Mexico did start the 2nd half with some intensity, being that they were down by 2 goals. Once on the field, Castillo would cause an uproar. Only a few minutes on Castillo would be fouled by Carlos Palacios, with whom he would begin a verbal attack to be allowed by Canadian ref. The verbal assault and the foul should have been punishable with a yellow card for both players but no action was taken. Teammates would try to calm down Castillo but would also become a little heated and would begin to lose their focus. Pavel Pardo would commit a childish foul in minute 33, and would receive a yellow card. A minute later Carlos Costly would score for Honduras once again and sentence the match. Yet again, a few minutes later, Carlos Vela would be fouled in the penalty area and the ref would award a penalty kick to Mexico. The player to execute the penalty, yes, Nery Castillo, would go on to score.
Mexico’s performance would continue to nosedive when Carlos Salcido, who had returned from serving suspension, would take down Carlos Pavon as he sped towards Mexico’s goal. Salcido was not shown any mercy when given a red card for his foul.
The Last Word
I would rather rest and allow myself a few days before I can criticize Mexico.
I will leave it at this: My passion for watching Mexico play, either friendlies or tournament matches, is no longer a raging passion. I do not feel like a true fan, even if a true fan is supposed to stand by their team all the way. This has lasted long enough!
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