Over on Goal.com there is an interesting piece where Mexican Midfielder from Chivas Gonzalo Pineda provided some interesting insight, here are some of his quotes from the Goal.com article and my analysis.
“We all have a sporting dislike of the United States and I believe (Wednesday) we were all rooting for Spain,” Chivas midfielder Gonzalo Pineda told Guadalajara daily Mural. “But we have to respect what the United States is doing.”
“In some way (we have to) emulate them because it is a team that 15 years ago was nothing in world football. They got to work, they don’t shorten processes, you don’t see strange things in their football and they have built up their league,” said Pineda, a member of Mexico’s 2006 World Cup squad. “It is an example of what order in a federation brings and we have to, in some way, think a little bit like them because 15 years ago they said they would be at this level at this time and they are there. They want something and they get it and that’s what we have to respect and somehow copy it. They’ve worked very well and we need to recognize that.”
“I’d like for you to tell me one American player who is better than Rafa Marquez, than (Carlos) Vela, then Giovani (Dos Santos). We have a great number of players who are playing in Europe. There’s (Carlos) Salcido, (Ricardo) Osorio, players who are at the highest level and playing, there’s (Andres) Guardado. I don’t see a single player with those types of characteristics on the United States national team,” he said. “But what have they done? Working as a team, they have tried to improve as a team and they’ve achieved that. We have to think like that, to formulate an idea and fight to the death for it.”
This was a very interesting read. The fact is the USMNT set forth a set of very lofty goals in the early 90’s and the results they have achieved are very impressive. Many of my Mexican Amigo’s actually do realize that the US has surpassed them as the power in Concacaf. It seems now some are looking deeper as to why, and what can be done about it. These are the questions the the Mexican Federation will have to ask itself if Mexico truely wants to get better.
For those of you who watched this game, I am sure you will agree, this was a very entertaining and amazing game to watch. The US used a bunker, with a hyper agressive counter attack against the Spanish. Also, when the Spanish had the ball, the US would apply tons of pressure up top to make it difficult for them to get into their rethum. At the back the central defensive tandem of DeMerit and Onyewu were steller. Howard as usual, was a rock in the net. Coach Bob Bradley, put together a great formation, and strategy with the correct combination of players as the US on this day were the better team against the worlds number one. Highlights below.
Well, I have three games that I will be watching today. USA vs Spain, TFC vs NYR, and Mex vs Ven. Should be fun. What games are you watching today/tonight. Please share your thoughts below. As the evening goes on, I may start drinking, so bear with me on any comments I make, or don’t make.
Ahh, this is often the question for a team. Do we attack and leave ourselves vulnerable, or bunker, and get them on the counter. This is the situation the US finds itself in on Wed when they play the best team in the world Spain. I always find the debate over this topic very interesting. Here in Mexico, this is often a talking point when the US plays Mexico. The Mexicans hate this style to begin with, the notion seems to offend them. What makes it worse is that the US knowing the Mexicans will attack and put pressure seem to always play this way, and unfortunately it has worked very well for them. I actually think to bunker and counter is a legitimate strategy to use. Let me explain below, and I will even try to tie in some thoughts as it relates to the common Mexican fan view as I understand it.
Back in February I wrote a post on how Mexico could beat the US in their world cup qualifier. At that time I advocated strongly for the bunker and counter strategy. There were a couple of reasons why. At the time, Mexico was coming into the match very short handed, with injuries and suspensions. The field conditions were also very bad, and based on the form of the two teams at the time, the US was better, especially defensively, and even offensively. I won’t recap the nightmare of that day, but I’ll just say it did not turn out that well. Many of my Amigos that cheer for El Tri, as do I when Canada is not involved found my notions unacceptable. Mexico “has a responsibility to win” they would say. This is a very common attitude here, it is not only good enough to win, but we must win by playing attacking football. The problem I find with this logic is by playing attacking football, you may be more likely to lose than win. I care about winning not style points. The bunker and Attack style of play also make it more likely for a draw. Well, if the situation warrants it, and it often does, a draw is fine by me. A draw would have been great for Mexico vs the US back in February. Tomorrow a draw, and then take your chances in extra time and penalties would probably be good for the USA as well. Anyways, every football has an opinion about this, so please feel free to share yours below in the comments section.
One of the most challenging things about living here in Mexico that impacts my everyday life is my inability to speak Spanish the way I would like. I mean I speak it, but I sound like I am in the 1st grade when I talk. If anyone out there had to learn a 2nd language, any advise would be appreciated.
In the last few days many in North America have witnessed the importance of never giving up in football.
On this past Thursday, my Toronto Football Club traveled to Montreal to play the Impact. If TFC could muster up a victory by at least a 4 goal margin they would be the Champions of Canada. If they could not, well there is always next year, as the Vancouver Whitecaps would be crowned champs. Let me set the scene, because this is classic. Montreal has at this point has been eliminated, they in general are off to a horrible start to their USL campaign. They have a crucial match against Vancouver on Saturday, and decide because this match means nothing to rest a few starters putting the burden of playing for team pride on some of the bench players. Keep in mind, it was not a total reserve side, I think there were 4 or 5 starters missing. As I just mentioned, Vancouver, having to play the Impact on Saturday, and the likely champs if TFC can’t pull off the miracle fly into Montreal early and attend the game. The weather looked brutal, just pouring with rain, and the camera would consistently pan over to the Vancouver coaching staff when there was a slight lull in the action. early in the match, TFC Defender Garcia takes down a player in the box and Montreal get a penalty to go up 1-0. At this point Toronto would need to win 5-1. They have never scored 5 goals in their franchise history. Six goals later, TFC are the Champions of Canada
On Sunday, the US MNT needed to win by 3 and have Italy loose by 3 in order to advance to the semi finals of the Confederations Cup. Most people probably thought Brazil could beat Italy 3-0, but almost no one would predicted the US beating Egypt 3-0. You see the US was on a pretty bad run, and really looked to have their confidence shaken. Well guess what happened. Again, I have provided highlights below.
The original idea was a good one. The MLS and the MFL figured why not base a club level tournament on the intense rivalry and apparent dislike the US and Mexican national teams seem to have towards each other. The first final at least did not disappoint, with a great game between the LA Galaxy and Pachuca, eventually won by Pachuca on penalties. Since then the tournament has dropped off the priority radar for the Mexican clubs and really needs to Go. So what went wrong? Well here is a few thoughts.
The format of the tournament is kind of lame. All the games are in the US, thus giving the US teams a big home field advantage. It also gives the games a bit of an exhibition feel.
The birth of the Concacaf Champions League. The CCL has not taken off just yet although over 55,000 fans did show up to game in Montreal vs Santos. I do see this tournament becoming the Tournament in Concacaf, whatever that means, none of us are sure. However, its hard to imagine another Tournament in the region taking the CCL place at whatever priority it is perceived.
For the current edition, the MLS teams seem to be taking it a little more serious, thus making it likely for an all MLS final, again! The Mexican teams just don’t seem to care. A couple of them turned down their invitation outright, and the teams from the MFL that are participating seem to be begrudgingly like when your forced to spend the day at your Tio’s house. Yeah that Tio. Who could blame them really, the league here in Mexico is very competitive, and making the playoffs is no small task, nor is avoiding relegation for a few of the teams. Why interrupt important pre season training, or risk injury to key players. The reward of winning this thing and the risk involved is just not worth it. I could not even find the first two games on the TV last night.
I would like to see the SuperLiga done away with all together, and more focus by all involved put on the CCL. I think the CCL has a lot of potential, and can’t wait for it to start. In the meantime, I guess I’ll follow the box scores to see how Mexican youth teams fair against, MLS B teams. Yeah, reminds me of going to the dentist.
Around a year ago when I realized that I would be moving to Mexico, one of immediate football related concerns was how would I be able to follow my beloved Toronto FC in Mexico. In the previous two years of TFC’s existence, I living in Las Vegas Nevada would just order MLS Direct Kick. MLS Direct Kick would not be an option here. Due to the global popularity of football, fans of the beautiful game have become very adept at watching games over the internet. Thank God for the internet, mlsnet.com actually has a pretty good service. For 19.99 for the season I get to watch TFC in 800k.
Besides actually watching the games here, None of the football fans here know very much about the league or the teams. I have yet to meet anyone who knows Toronto even has a team. At least the score line won’t be mistakenly revealed in case I have to watch the game after it has taken place.
This week the CONCACAF Draw was quitley held. Here is how it looks.
PRELIMINARY ROUND
Arabe Unido-San Francisco (PAN) vs. San Juan Jabloteh (TRI)
Pachuca (MEX) vs. Comunicaciones-Jalapa (GUA)
New York Red Bulls (USA) vs. W Connection (TRI)
Olimpia (HON) vs. Arabe Unido/Chorrillo (PAN)
Cruz Azul (MEX) vs. Herediano (CRC)
D.C. United (USA) vs. Chalatenango (SLV)
Liberia (CRC) vs. Real Espana (HON)
Vancouver Whitecaps/Toronto FC (CAN) vs. Puerto Rico Islanders (PUR)
GROUP STAGE
Group A
Houston Dynamo (USA)
Metapan (SLV)
Pachuca (MEX)-Guatemala No. 2 (Comunicaciones or Jalapa)
Olimpia-Panama No. 2 (Arabe Unido or Chorrillo)
Group B
Toluca (MEX)
Marathon (HON)
D.C. United (USA)-Chalatenango (SLV)
San Juan Jabloteh (TRI)-Panama No. 1 (Arabe Unido or San Francisco FC)
Group C
Columbus Crew (USA)
Saprissa (CRC)
Cruz Azul (MEX)-Herediano (CRC)
Canada No. 1 (Toronto FC or Vancouver Whitecaps)-Puerto Rico Islanders (PUR)
Group D
Pumas UNAM (MEX)
Comunicaciones or Municipal (GUA)
New York Red Bulls (USA)-W Connection (TRI)
Liberia (CRC)-Real Espana (HON)
My initial thoughts are Group C is the group of death. I also think there could be some good match ups in group play. MLS team will take this a little more seriosley this year. I will have a lot of coverage on this tournament, so stay tuned.
We all have a sporting dislike of the United States and I believe (Wednesday) we were all rooting for Spain,” Chivas midfielder Gonzalo Pineda told Guadalajara daily Mural. “But we have to respect what the United States is doing.”