5 reasons why El Tris comeback could be key en route to Brazil
Miguel Herreras squad was able to show their worst and best face in their friendly match against the US Mens National Team, but the end…
Mexico midfielder Marco Fabian (8) celebrates with Alan Pulido (11) after Pulido scored during the second half of an international friendly soccer match against the U.S. Wednesday, April 2, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. (AP Photo/Rock Scuteri)
Miguel Herreras squad was able to show their worst and best face in their friendly match against the US Mens National Team, but the end result could be a piece of great news for El Tri as they prepare for their run in Brazil.
The 2-2 on the scoreboard after the 90 minutes could be interpreted in many ways, and here are five reasons why it should be seen in an optimistic way just a few months before the start of the World Cup:
1. El Tri has what it takes to compete
Mexico has always been known as the giant in CONCACAF, but its been a while since that credit has been earned. Miguel Herreras number one objective since arriving to the team was to make his men believe they could achieve anything, and that they were a lot more competitive than they thought.
SEE ALSO: Five players who need to step it up to play for el Tri
After going through three coaches in a few weeks, Herreras strong hand was imperative in the team and his decision of playing the do-or-die playoff with only local players was a statement in itself: we are way better than New Zealand and we dont need our superstars in Europe to prove it. His bet paid off, and the team will be in Brazil because of it, but those two games also gave the group the feeling they were not the weak team who couldnt find its groove during the qualifier.
Coming back from a 2-0 against the USMNT in Phoenix simply proves el Tri is ready to compete and its players want to regain some of their lost luster as soon as possible.
2. There are options
Herrera has already confirmed he will not count with Vela to represent Mexico in Brazil. Chicharito has never had such little playing time in Manchester. Gio Dos Santos may not make it in the list as Piojo sees him more fit as an attacking mid than as a forward and he doesnt play with an attacking mid.
There are so many variables inside Herreras mind that no one really knows which 23 players will make the final list. In such a situation, it is reassuring for the fans to see Pulido, Fabian, Brizuela or Peña stepping up.
There are options, and they all seem to be meshing well.
3. The system works
Mexico midfielder Juan Carlos Medina (26) and U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley (4) battle for the ball during the second half of an international friendly soccer match Wednesday, April 2, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. (AP Photo/Rock Scuteri)
Much has been said about Herreras 5-3-2 system. The test against Nigeria in March failed miserable, as the team tied 0-0. Meanwhile, against the USMNT things worked well once the team started clicking. It may be harsh for Mexican fans to swallow the fact that their beloved team will face a World Cup with a small team mentality, but it could be the key to a great performace by the squad.
4. Rafa Marquez is still on top of his game
The legendary captain played a great match against the US as master and commander of the team in the back. His position could end up being comparable to that of Lothar Mattheus in 1990s Germany, as he can either move up and be the first center mid, or drop back and become a sweeper to help the defense.
SEE ALSO: Five keys for Mexican national soccer team, el Tri, to focus on in 2014
The fact is Marquez will play his 5th World Cup with Mexico and will make history with the team because of that. If you add the fact he can still score for el Tri, youll realize Leons man is a true asset for this team.
5. Nothing beats a comeback against an all-time rival
Mexico would have lost the match had the referee allowed Eddie Johnsons goal in the 85th minute, but to any good Mexican fan, coming back from a 2-0 scoreboard at half time, to tie the all-time rival on their home turf ?bad referee decisions or not? tastes quite sweet, and there no better way to start thinking of the last few weeks of preparation for the World Cup.
Mexico is on an upward trend, and the tie against the US is simply going to help them feel even more empowered come kick off time in Brazil.
