A look at the back line

The Mexican national team is looking to make history in Germany this summer. Their goal is to play 5 games, and hopefully get to the sixth, which would guarantee a seventh game. Over the next few weeks, we’ll discuss each sector of the team. Today we will look at the defenders, which could be the stongest group Mexico has had at the back since 1986, where they only gave up 2 goals in 5 games. This is extremely high praise considering that the defense is without 3 very skilled players: Hugo Sanchez Guerrero, Aaron Galindo, and Salavador Carmona, the latter 2 suspended for doping.

Rafael Marquez – The undisputed leader and pillar of the team. Rafa may not be with the team right now, but he will certainly have the best preparation for the world cup because of the quality of offensive players he is tasked to stop. His next test: Thierry Henry. Rafa is versatile enough to move up to midfield, or play as libero. He does have a propensity to lose his cool at times, but as Rene mentioned in his commentary, he owns up to his mistakes. He has a superb shot, and his long passes are mostly accurate. In short, he’s good. Rafa has said that he relishing the opportunity to shine in this world cup. I am certainly not going to doubt him.

If Rafa is asked to push up from the midfield, expect Claudio Suarez to come in and sweep. Yes he is a grizzled veteran, yes his legs aren’t as fresh. But… he does organize the back line better than Rafa, and he does have 2 world cups worth of experience. He will be calming influence to those who haven’t played. Joel Huiqui said that he learned more in one training session with the Emperador than he has from any other player. His excellent fitness has been a welcome surprise at the camp.

When I was watching the Ghana game, I was impressed how much better organized Mexico was as they started to arm the attack. The main reason was Ricardo Osorio. He is a solid defender who doesn’t take unnecessary risks. He will fall back when Rafa joins the attack. Will first time jitters affect Osorio. No.

We worry who can keep up with the faster players we will play, especially with Suarez on the pitch. Fear not, because Carlos Salcido will be that guy. If he has a good tournament, he may find himself playing in the old continent as long as his club team doesn’t demand an unrealistic transfer fee. But then again, they may be justified.

At 23 Joel Huiqui is the youngest defender, but has been a Lavolpe favorite. He played in the 2004 olympics, so he does have some international experience. He is a fine player, but unless one of the guys mentioned above gets injured, he won’t see the field in Germany, and he may not even make the trip.

Another Lavolpe fixture, and a favorite whipping boy for a lot of fansis Maza Rodriguez. He has demonstrated a decent quality of play, but he has also shown himself to be more of a liability as well. He will be one of the substitutes during games, but will probably only come on in case of injury or extreme fatigue.

I mention Gonzalo Pineda here because he is the most defensive minded of all the “carrileros,” which we’ll talk about next week. If he is on the pitch, he will be the one who falls back if Mexico switches to a 4-4-2 from their traditional 5-3-2. He has excellent defensive skills, but his lack of offensive talent (compared to the other left carrileros) make him a prime candidate to be substituted if Mexico needs to get a goal.

I echo the words of Pele when I say that Mexico has excellent starting players, but their quality of depth is questionable. This is especially true with defenders, but like I said earlier, they are missing 3 key players who would have undoubltedly made the roster. Barring injury, Mexico’s first teamers make a very strong back line. And if they can repeat the performance that the 1986 squad had, the tri just might make it to that elusive 6th game.