May – June Wrap-up

June 2nd, 2006 | by: Luis Carlos |

I was on vacation the last two weeks, didn’t read any soccer news, read any articles and only saw the Nehterlands game.

Today I woke up early and tried to catch up on the Tri news prior to the World Cup, I saw some really hard notes and quotes on directives and coaches on La Volpe, saw 1 goal on 180 minutes, and the same headlines as John saw.

Let me see if I can wrap things up.

1. La Volpe is less than popular 1 week before WC.
1.1 With Atlante’s head Coach Jose A. Garcia saying that only in Mexico we “put up” with La Volpe, after what the national team head coach said about Kikin Fonseca, the Sub – 17, Mejía Baron and La Puente.

1.2 Victor Manuel Vucetich (Veracruz), Raul Arias (San Luis) and Miguel Herrera (Monterrey’s) head coaches seing a wrong Lavolpe.

1.3 And even the U- 20 head coach said that he did more in a month with his players than Lavolpe witht the “Selección Mayor”.

2. Our oponents (France, Italy and others) don’t see us as worthy rivals. (looked at some newspapers and saw that their players only had heard of Marquez).

3. We haven’t found a good atack sistem (or don’t want to show it), prior to the WC. 1 goal in 2 games against good teams.

4. One week and 1 game left prior to the WC.

I don’t have a point, I’m just seeing a desperate crowd waiting to see results before we’re put on trial. I’m confident on our team, know at least we’re making second round, and a good fight in the first 3 games. Ana Guevara (Mexican runner) said that Lavolpe is the coach and we have to respect what he said, whan asked about Fonseca- Lavolpe relationship.

Maybe she’s right, I’ve practiced team sports my whole life and most of the time you don’t agree with the coach but he IS the coach, and security and respect are values that can make a diference in a team and on fans.

Pre WC games don’t count, of course a lose is sour and a win can bring you confidence, but in every profesional sport people don’t care about preseason games, that is what the France and Holland games where PRECUP games.

Let’s start focusing on Iran as a team and forget all the chit chat.

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owen

good comments – I was actually very impressed with the set pieces in the friendlies – they are crucial in the WC and Mexico did really well with them.

One warning for El Tri – don’t take Iran lightly – they are also the real deal and I wouldn’t be surprised at all by Mexico and Iran making it out of the group at the expense of Portugal and Angola.

It is a much more level and even group than most people think – I can even see Angola making it through with a lot of luck.

Portugal may be thinking they only have to show up – if so they are out just like last time.

Although I’m an England fan, I’d love to see El Tri go far – they have much more chance than the US I think.
Daniel

I also agree, we all shouldn’t freak out because they lost two meaningless games. I would much rather see Mexico lose now and make adjustments then win now and not advance to the second round. I also think that everyone should stop criticising Lavolpe. Nitpicking his every little move is not going to produce a World Cup Trophy.
Robert

Everything you said repeats itself every four year, no matter whom is coaching or playing. It’s a very typical attitude by us Mexicans. We set ourselves up for the “I told you so” reaction by criticizing the coach or players.

That’s probably why we never break out of the second round. Players and coaches are focused on bouncing or deflecting criticism rather then winning.

I never understand why people put so much stock in pre WC warm up games. Players perform well bellow 100%. They’re being careful not to get hurt before the WC.
http://www.livesoccertv.com Walter

I’d like to comment on Mexico’s team and their performances as they prepare for the World Cup. I think mexico is playing quite well as a team. They fight hard and have great movement and possesion control however they lack the finishing. I think that the game in Paris showed a team that was able to push france back to play behind the ball and protect their lead but failed to capitilize on attacking opportunities. I didn’t see the Holland game but did see some highlights but not enought to make any comments.

I think that this group is very balanced, as a Portuguese fan i don’t think Portugal will have it easy. Their first match with Angola will definitely set their destiny.. a Win will give them confidence and motivation to move into the next round.. however a loss will cause the team to implode as i have seen done on a few occasions.

I think Iran will be the team to beat.. they have shown some very good form. I hope Portugal and Mexico advance.. I am very excited about that match up. I think there will be a clash of styles in that match but i think it’ll come down to individual skills that will win the match.

ole’
Walter
LiveSoccerTV-Dot-com
louie

good job walter..

Portugal Vs Mexico…
can’t wait!!!
jack

Mexico always delivers in the group stages….first place.

on the other hand, second round is a different matter, and there they underperform.

mexico goes through with 9 points, scores 8 goals, and receives 3…….Portugal beaten and eliminated by mexico