After a win over Costa Rica this past Saturday, March 28, in Mexico City, Mexico now travels to Honduras to face the Honduran National Team, who also played this past weekend against the Trinidad and Tobago National Team with a 1-1 draw as a result.
During press conference, when asked if Sven Goran Eriksson will retain the same starting eleven for the match against Honduras, Eriksson was doubtful but was unsure of how to respond. Given that Mexico’s formation this past weekend proved effective, as a fan I would be concerned over any major changes that would hurt the team rather than help them with rotations.
So far there is no news as to who will start. The one major issue is that of Giovani Dos Santos’ presence come Wednesday. Dos Santos is still on the injured list but all doubts will be put to rest on whether he will be with the team for the next match, throughout the day.
With a possible return of Dos Santos also comes the possible integration of two players whom were also injured, Carlos Salcido, defense, and Carlos Vela, forward. With both being declared fit and ready to participate, the defense and forward sectors may see some changes. One definite absence will be the Captain of the National Squad, Rafael Marquez, who will be finishing his 2-game suspension for his unsportsman-like conduct during the Mexico vs. USA match.
Questioning Nery Castillo’s Participation
Nery Castillo, after causing controversy against the Mexican Press, was not played during the Costa Rica match, even with the chants of "Nery, Nery" during the second half of the match. Some speculate that Eriksson did not want to sub Nery Castillo in for fear that he may not perform at his best, even with a two goal lead. Others think that Eriksson did not play Nery because of his behavior prior to the game.
After this weekends match, Nery Castillo’s father, acting as his manager as well, responded to the press by stating that if Nery continues to receive harsh critics Nery will no longer sport the Mexican colors and no longer play for the national squad, (El Universal).
Nery Castillo has not had much play time, with the national team and with his club, Shaktar Donetsk, and has also recognized his lack in performance and fitness but continues to ensure that he has given it his all during training sessions and will give it his all if played.
The Last Word
With so many issues revolving Mexico’s National Futbol team, one can question their performance against Honduras come Wednesday: Eriksson may face an early end-of-contract situation; Nery may be benched; a new formation may prove useless and cause Mexico an unsurprising defeat.
It would be best to think small, think strategically, but overall, to really, really think. Eriksson has not proven to me his capacity as a well-known coach but he proved this past weekend that we were going to see a distinct Mexico side, and we did.
My recommendation would be to sit Fernando Arce and Ricardo Osorio for this next match and allow the young, new, talented players to gain more in-field experience.