Just moments ago in the capital of Mexico, Mexico City, hundreds of thousands in attendance witnessed a solid victory, Mexico defeating Costa Rica with a score of 2-0.
The starting lineup was an interesting one, considering that the highly regarded players were either out on suspension or on the injured list. The starting goalkeeper was the promising young Guillermo Ochoa, of the America futbol club. The defense consisted of Ricardo Osorio,Leobardo Lopez, Fausto Pinto and Aaron Galindo. In the midfield: captain Pavel Pardo, Leando Augusto, Andres Guardado and Fernando Arce. The forwards were Omar Bravo and Matias Vuoso.
The 1st Half
The start seconds definitely showed a Mexican side very distinct, as Sven Goran Eriksson, Mexico’s Head Coach, promised. Omar Bravo intercepted the ball within seconds of starting the match, allowing Mexico to reach Costa Rica’s goal and attempt to score. A lot of precise passing and team unity was present in the first half of the match. The pace of Mexico’s play was something unusual, a faster pace with incredible ball control and strategic passing.
The first goal came from an incredible combination of passing between both forwards, Vuoso and Bravo, with Bravo attempting a shot on goal, blocked by Costa Rica’s goalie only to be reflected back to Bravo for the goal.
The only negative, in a technical stand point, was Fernando Arce’s, midfielder, performance. There were certain situations where Arce could have resolved in a much better manner and could have taken advantage.
The 2nd Half
Mexico began the 2nd half with the same intensity and the same starting eleven. The pace was similar and the passing was right on. Mexico seemed to dominate the game, only allowing Costa Rica a few attempts and shots on their goal, defended by the young Ochoa. Mexico’s defense proved very strong and committed, playing a very technical game with great decision-making on their part. The midfield and the forwards were at it on the other end attempting to create plays and to get off shots but Costa Rica would be there, somewhat strong but not convincing.
Mexico’s 2nd goal came from a pass to Pavel Pardo in the penalty, where Costa Rica’s defense fell prey to Pardo’s experience. As the pass was made to Pavel Pardo, he sensed the presence of Costa Rican defense-men Roy Myrie and allowed himself to be pushed to the ground causing the American referee to award a penalty to Mexico. Pardo, who had been pushed, as the ref had seen it, executed and scored the penalty giving Mexico the 2-0 lead.
The Results
Although there were many more opportunities for Mexico to score on Costa Rica, the final score was a convincing 2-0 win, taking off a heavy load off the shoulders of Mexican National coach, Eriksson.
The moment of the game was the chants during the final minutes of the match for Nery Castillo, who had been involved in a verbal altercation with the Mexican Press during a press conference in the days prior to the match.
Although Nery Castillo was never subbed in, Nery celebrated with the delight the victory and awaits his chance, if kept on, in the upcoming match against Honduras.
Sven kept his word and has delivered a different Mexican team. Can the same hold true for their next match against Honduras? The results will be seen come Wednesday.
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