The message is clear, at least to Sven Goran Ericksson, head coach of the Mexican National soccer team. Whether you have read it, heard it, or watched it, will you believe it? The team, according to Ericksson, will be a much more distinct one come Saturday when Mexico faces Costa Rica in a world cup qualifying match. A Mexican myself, I have been very upset with the performance of the team since the end of the 2006 World Cup held in Germany.
I would like to base my article around reports from ESPNDeportes, where information for this kind of issue is much more valuable, to me, than that of some sports writer for the New York Times or La Reforma, A Mexican Newspaper.
The Mexican Portero, Goalie
Ericksson has mentioned that he is delighted to have three goalies who are in top shape and form. What do fans say about that?
Bruno, 22, a teammate of mine, has always criticized the use of veteran goalie Oswaldo Sanchez, 35. Bruno, and I agree with what he has always mentioned to me about Sanchez, has never had faith in someone who could be so vocal but make so many technical mistakes when it comes time to defend your post. Oswaldo Sanchez is captain of the Mexican team when famed defense player Rafael Marquez, the true captain, is off-duty. Mexico has had it’s shining moments with Oswaldo as goalie, but very few in my opinion.
If not Oswaldo then you have two remaining goalies: Guillermo Ochoa, 23, and Jesus Corona, 28. Both are young, both are talented but to be honest Jesus Corona is the more balanced of the three goalies and the better person for this Saturday’s game.
My pick: Jesus Corona
The Mexican Defensiva, The Defense
One thing is for sure, this Saturday you will not be seeing Rafael Marquez, 30, the 1st team captain, nor Carlos Salcido, 28, a defensive nightmare, when he wants to be, playing against Costa Rica. Both are injured and, in my opinion, both are important.
Although he has not mentioned the starting eleven, I do not really like the defense, in general. Most of the defense, in this case, during the Ericksson-era, play on teams in the Mexican League, another troubling issue which I will not get into. Some players are worth having but the quality is not superior to that of someone who deserves to be playing for a national team.
In serious conversations that I have had with fans, I have not been surprised to hear them say that our defense should be the most important section to focus on first. Ignacio, 32, a fan whom also plays against my team, has always been a firm supporter of developing a stronger Mexican defense. I agree. The few defense players that I do hope to see, and most likely will see, play are Ricardo Osorio, 28, and Jonny Magallon, 27.
My pick: Osorio & Magallon
The Mexican Centro/Mediocampo, Midfield, & Delantera, Forwards
I want to discuss both sectors, Midfield and Forwards, in the same section because both, especially when watching Mexico play, seem to want to score. The midfield position is supposed to almost do it all: defend, attack, be a play-maker, create opportunities and so forth. They also run a lot, and I mean A LOT! However, I have noticed that Mexico has been having trouble setting up the midfield and forwards so that both positions can work off of one another fluidly. To see them work so well is a once in a lifetime, figuratively speaking, event.
If Ericksson says that this Saturday Mexico will be a more distinct team, lets hope he plays the people who deserve to play in these positions.
The Midfield: I would like to see two wingers, those really fit and energetic players who run up and down the sides, and two central defending midfielders. Having those two defending midfielders should not limit them to just defending but be the 1st line of defense the opposition sees when trying to attack. Andres Guardado, 22, is definitely one winger I would like to have playing. Alberto Medina, 25, his other half. For defensive midfielders, Gerardo Torrado, 29.
My pick: To much to ask for!
The Forwards: I have learned that Mexico has always had a tough time scoring, even when they can massacre a team. There is so much talent that is being overlooked that my only opinion over this subject is keeping the faith in Ericksson and his choice for forwards.
My Pick: Jesus Maria Cardenas, great talent, but most likely will be opted out for someone whose either more marketable and well known, or someone whose to old to run and score but well known.
The Last Word
I love this Mexican team, I just wish it would manage itself better. I can only wait and see what Ericksson has to offer this Saturday. There is some hope but there definitely is talent, only it has to be recognized and be used. For all Mexican fans, lets hope for the best and lets cheer these players on. Que viva Mexico y Si Se Puede!