World

North America

Mexico

Second Thoughts of the First Game (Jared Borgetti to miss game against Angola)

June 12th, 2006 | By: Luis Carlos | 35 Comments »

A lot has been said about the tactics and plays of the game. I would like to point out the implications of Mexico’s win and what has happened after the first half of the first game of the Cup.

Pointers

1. Mexico has one foot on the second round. With 3 points, a +2 goal diferential, 3GF and 1GA, Iran and Angola with 0 points, puts us in a very good spot. Angola didn’t show a lot of talent, their fast, wich could be a challenge, but I think we can do better against Angola of what Portugal did against them, wich (unless we have an upset) would put us with 6 points after 2 games, that is almost always a pass to the second round.

2. Portugal didn’t show much and had an ok game, that shows that we could also pass as first place, I saw almost the hole game, and they played ok, but failed to capitalize on the scoring oportunities.

Note: I know I am speculating, but as I said before, this is what blogs are for, and these are my opinions of what should happen.

3. In group A, their is only one team: Germany, after what Ecuador did to Poland, that leaves only 1 though oponent Germany, and they can well be in the Quarter Finals, if they can manage to stay in the first spot.

4. Group B had some surprises, T & T, showed that Sweden is not what a lot of people expected (2 european teams that are showing they may have been over rated: Poland and Sweden, so far)

5. Group C is what has me with no sleep, they have 2 of the best 6 teams in the world (Netherlands and Argentina)

6. Group D showed us that Mexico could win it all and advance in first place, that means we are in trouble, since we should play Netherlands or Argentina.

7. We shouldn’t worry right now about groups E, F, G, H, since games 2,3 & 4, are going to be against Group D and C. We’ll talk about them later.

8. Bravo is tied with Klose and Wanchope as best strikers, I am sure we won’t see Bravo or any mexican in this category, but at least he is 2 goals behind of “matador” Hernandez, as the mexican atacker with more goals in a WC (4)

Picks for tomorrow:

Game 1. Australia Vs. Japan. I like the Japs, I pick them as team 2 in this group, they’ll have to beat Croatia too though. Japan 2 - 1 Australia

Game 2. Usa Vs. Checz Republic. Checz Republic is my pick as team 1 in the second group of death. Checz 2 - 0 USA

Game 3. Italy Vs. Ghana. Italy will go as second place so we’ll probably see them take this one +2 - 0

Thoughts:

Mexico is an under-over rated team. FIFA ranks us as a very good team (4th), but most people don’t buy it, so that makes us the most under rated of the over rated teams. We have to prove what we are in this cup, so we could be taken serious as a good team.

We have to focus a lot on Angola, I am positive we’ll win this one, still it should be an interesting game. Hope Bob has more faith on us now.

Mexico has the second best score after Germany in the first game. We’re not an ofensive team, so this is great for our confidence and the evolution of our national team.

Injuries & Cards

Jared Borgetti to miss game against Angola, but listed as probable against Portugal
2 yellow cards: Torrado and Salcido (Salcido should be carefoul a game withouth him could make a strategical serious change.

Quesitons:

What’s your pick against Angola, Mine 2-0 (Mexico)?
Did you expect a 3-1 against Iran?
Borgetti will not play against Angola, who is playing in his spot?
How many goals is Bravo having on this WC?
Whats your pick in the Portugal Iran game? my pick Portugal 1 - 1 Iran

Have a nice day celebrating our victory and focusing on the palancas negras.
C’ya

Tags: Angola, Borguetti, Iran, Mexico, Portugal

Mexico World Cup RSS Feed

del.icio.us:Second Thoughts of the First Game (Jared Borgetti to miss game against Angola)

digg:Second Thoughts of the First Game (Jared Borgetti to miss game against Angola)

newsvine:Second Thoughts of the First Game (Jared Borgetti to miss game against Angola)

reddit:Second Thoughts of the First Game (Jared Borgetti to miss game against Angola)

fark:Second Thoughts of the First Game (Jared Borgetti to miss game against Angola)

Y!:Second Thoughts of the First Game (Jared Borgetti to miss game against Angola)

stumbleupon:Second Thoughts of the First Game (Jared Borgetti to miss game against Angola)

Comments

Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 35 comments.

Read the rest of the comments

By Luis Carlos | June 12th, 2006 at 6:01 pm

Ricardo:

I am worried, that’s what I say on the post, not by Angola or Portugal, because neither of them are playing great, but of what the second round has for us.

Edu

thanks for answering the questions, agree with most of your answers, specially on the picks.

René

I don’t think that the teams don’t have a good level. As I said their are only 2 good teams in groups A & B, and the matches proved us that (Germany and England). Of course Germany has a questionable defense, we’ve always known that, the thing is we expected Lehmann to be better. What they still have is a good offensive level.

England is probably the team to be worried about, not by their threat, but because they’re not the team we expected.

In group C, Argentina and Netherlands will be in a good level in the next round, they are in a good level right now, the thing is the group, it’s the toughest group in the WC

Wait for Checz Republic and Brasil to show us level.

Posted from Mexico

By Big-Baller-Shot-Caller | June 12th, 2006 at 6:16 pm

Good points Jack. At the same time Rene has good points too, for the first game out, they looked solid in most areas but shaky in some aspects. A lot of teams did and will continue to. Also, Iran was fantastic for 70 minutes. Tougher than 90% of the first round teams I have seen so far.

That nervous first half could have been a disaster but it wasn’t because the team stayed with it and showed heart and determination. In the end, that is what the team showed but had not shown for a while but glad to see they still have it.

If they can get any kind of production from Borgetti even as a late game substitute it would be great. Mobility or no mobility, could be a nice role for him. Guille and him aren’t connecting, maybe Kikin and Guille can get some chemistry.

As for Pardo and Torrado and even Pineda and so forth, that line was a question mark all along and still needs to improve to have hopes of beating the so called super powers.

We need to keep in mind, the mids, they only have to have a one awesome game at a time in the knockouts. If it were a 30 game season I wouldn’t like their chances, but they can do it, step it up. Torrado is looking like a late game substitute as well.

Could be Cabrito Arellano time, that might help.

Posted from United States

By Noe | June 12th, 2006 at 7:05 pm

Luis: no i was expecting more from the england game they were exhausted from the heat and struggled to keep that 1-0 score pretty disapointing i wanted to see rooney play anyway mexico beat iran,a good game, Portugal didnt look too hard when they played against angola mexico could beat them…
Si Se Pudo!

Posted from United States

By ricardo | June 12th, 2006 at 7:08 pm

rene:
i am afraid the answer to your first question has just been given in the form of czech republic. I agree that most teams will develop as the tournament progresses but the czech were superb.

luis:
you’re right. I also think that Mexico will not have too much trouble getting out of the group, but to be honest, i had picked them to win the group and beat the second place of group c in the next round, at least but now i am not so sure.

Posted from Netherlands

By John | June 12th, 2006 at 7:24 pm

I expect Fonseca to start with Franco, and Ramoncito to start in place of Torrado. Mexico won’t need to win the ball in midfield as much to need 2 DMs as they did vs. Iran. Fonseca and Franco understand each other very well.

I was impressed with Angola yestdeday. I thought, as I’m sure that most did around the world, that the game was headed for a rout after Pauleta’s goal. But Angola hung tough. I have to beleive that they were especially motivated, and because they were playing their former colonial ruler, but because most angolans play in the Portuguese league, and wanted to have a good showing against theit teammates.

I am not sure if Angola will be as amped up to play Mexico, but I know the game won’t be easy. If Mexico and Portugal wins or ties, Mexico goes through.

Posted from United States

By Rene | June 12th, 2006 at 8:06 pm

Ricardo:

Nobody questions the Czech’s quality. If there is anything I would question is their durability and stamina. We are talking about a team who had their stars already making people go wow on the 96 EuroCup, plus who knows how bad the injury to Kohller is.

The only reason why I think they will be eventually stopped is because they will not have the legs to keep going. A telling statistic is that no team with an average age of over 27 has won the World Cup since 1970 (if I recall correctly).

As far as Franco and Kikin, let’s remember this: last time they played together for an entire match, they scored 6 goals between the 2, with Kikin making 4, 2 of them passes by Franco.

By edu | June 12th, 2006 at 9:02 pm

Take that landon donovan!!
“uno, dos, tres”

Posted from United States

By Rene | June 12th, 2006 at 9:20 pm

Although I don’t mind the U.S. team that much, I’m quite glad to see someone stuff 3 balls inside Landon Donovan’s mouth/ego.

It appears to me the U.S. team will be out sooner than anticipated.

By Rene | June 12th, 2006 at 10:01 pm

By the way, it seems Borgetti will be out for 8 days, so he should be back for the Portugal match.

By Louie | June 12th, 2006 at 10:44 pm

question …
Last week, I was listening to ESPN deportes and they kept talking about LAndon Donovan saying some stuff about the mexico team in spanish. Does anyone know what he said? i heard it was imature..

Posted from United States

By Louie | June 12th, 2006 at 10:46 pm

Question

Last week i was listening to ESPN deportes and the locutores kept talking about Landon donovans comments about mexico. does anyone know what he said recently? i hear it was in spanish and it was very imature..

Posted from United States

By edu | June 12th, 2006 at 11:32 pm

landon donovan has been badmouthing the Mexican team for years, he doesn’t have any touch of class in interviews to talk how much he hates the “tri” and how superior he feels his squad is in the concacaf, he seems to be proud of his poor Spanglish with his girlish voice and bad accent, he has been comenting in recent interviews how much he wishes to meet against Mexico in later rounds of the world cup to “humilliate them” again [since the US disqualified Mexico in Japan-Korea 4 years ago]
Too bad he wont get past the first round, he and his sorry ego are about to pack early to head back to the land of W Bush, watch the US Boyz to be one of the last 4 teams of this tournament.

Posted from United States

By Rene | June 12th, 2006 at 11:42 pm

He said he hated Mexico and would love to knock the team out of the tournament again.

And we are talking about the same guy who took a leak in the Jalisco stadium while training for the 2004 Olympics qualifiers. He is a world class jerk and I can’t wait for his career to be over.

By VooDoo | June 13th, 2006 at 12:01 am

Africa involved into results of World Cup 2006.
According to unexpected results of the football matches, african magicians are working hard in their magic area.
See the results on http://www.voodoo4football.com
Is it possible in our modern life?

Posted from Ukraine

By HurrikaneDIABLO | June 13th, 2006 at 12:11 am

Mis amigos, I have nothing original to say except reinforce what Ken from Tanzania said, “It’s not the tough teams underachieving. It’s the weaker teams improving.” Ken is absolutely right and it’s not going to be an easy thing reaching the second round. of course, no said it would be easy. I am convinced now after watching Ghana giving Italy a run for their money. What a great game. Ivory Coast gave Argentina trouble and Angola the same with Portugal. The trend here, my friends, is that all three teams are African and their opponents are all highly regarded teams. I hope the Mexican team realizes this.

Mexico needs to return to their magical form they showed us in the Confederation Cup. Even though I agree with Big Ballers #2 statement about Borgetti, I actually noticed more work getting done on the offensive side of things when he went out. Maybe it was because Iran ran out of gas or everyone else just stepped it up a notch… i dont know.

All that being said, Mexico is going to whip Angola’s butt and Omar is going to get a hattrick out of the deal to go up in the Golden Boot running. Mexico on top again with a repeat score 3-1 over Angola.

Mexicanos, al grito de guerra!!!

Posted from United States

By Big-Baller-Shot-Caller | June 13th, 2006 at 3:04 am

Upon reflection, one more thing that is hugely positive for Mexico is Omar Bravo growing up before our eyes. Gotta love it.

Not just the goals but the way he scored them with ease of a world class finisher and did not try to blast them as he has done in the past.

What was just as impressive was his work rate, always working always intenting something positive even if it was not there.

While not a Chivas fan, it is amazing the talent they are producing and developing. While Bravo wouldnt be my first guess as to the next Mexican player to play in Europe it looks like a real possibility because that kind of effort, pace and skill is in high demand.

Posted from United States

By Jorge | June 13th, 2006 at 4:16 am

you saw “the hole game”???
Spell check your post again! too many errors there…

Posted from United States

By Big-Baller-Shot-Caller | June 13th, 2006 at 4:43 am

Jorge: thank you, and on behalf of all the posters here:

Tu mama saw the “hole game” from my casa watchando mi television.

World Cup fever has swept over the world and this might be as good a time as any to relax your pompous and obnoxious grammar standards.

Posted from United States

By Louie | June 13th, 2006 at 5:12 am

By the way some of us are not from the US and are spending time translating into english.

So sorry for our mistakes. Plus when you are done typing in the little box, one can’t see everything and probably does not want to go back and proof read.

Iranians and afrincans and euuropeans are going to misspell a lot. but they are trying their hardest.

So to anyone that feels like they must proof read.. Don’t worry about spelling errors, Just type what you feel like…

Posted from United States

By Louie | June 13th, 2006 at 5:15 am

OH and big baller..
it’s not WATCHando

it’s wachando..
j/k buddy keep up your amazing blogs…

Posted from United States

By Luis Carlos | June 13th, 2006 at 6:14 am

Noe:

You’re probably right, I still have some faith in England, but they didn’t perform well.

Ricardo:

I hope you still have faith in Mexico on the quarterfinals.

Louie:

Edu answered your question.

Still waiting for the picks of the Angola game I asked in the blog, thanks.

Posted from Mexico

By Luis | June 13th, 2006 at 7:27 am

HurrikaneDIABLO is right about most of it. African teams are for real. I don’t think Mexico will have such an easy time with Angola. They may not produce, but they certainly can disrupt. Portugal will be a very different team with Deco in the midfield. They started their ‘plan B’ team and managed a victory. Sign of a good team. Iran will put up a fight as they are desparate, but Portugal will overcome them.

That means Mexico and Portugal will face off for bragging rights mostly in the third match. It could go either way, but don’t think Portugal will play as they did against Angola three games in a row.

Posted from United States

By El Aclantista | June 13th, 2006 at 5:38 pm

Have you guys heard the “experts” in American tv? they’re so annoying acording to them our team is going nowhere while Landon and the rest will be picking up the cup in July 9!!! the only thing the U.S will be picking are their bags when they leave Germany next week!!!
Yeah I tend to agree that we shouldn’t be overconfident of blowing Angola away we’re a better team and they should win on Friday.
Seems that Borgetti will be out all the 1st round and Lavolpe might think in bringing someone from Mexico as long as its not Temo I’m fine that guy is a cancer and our Tri doesn’t need that.Lets hope Borgetti is ready for the 2nd round.Still waiting for all those doubters that had team Melli blowing us away where are you guys at?
Mexico Mexico Mexico!!!!

Posted from United States

By Liquit | June 13th, 2006 at 11:10 pm

I’m guessing Angola is preparing the match against Mexico on the basis of what they’ve seen so far, but I could bet our team will play with a different squad. I think Angola doesn’t expect Guardado an “Gringo” Castro as carrileros, and that may be their biggest mistake. I can’t wait to see those two speed trains adding for offense and keeping their fastest men from atacking with ease!!

Posted from Mexico

By Marc | June 14th, 2006 at 11:16 am

I think Mexico played a good second half, but there were some questionable starters in the first half. I believe that Borgetti and Franco take some of the dynamic attack away from the squad. They tend to slow things down and that’s a problem when you have speedy attackers like Bravo and Fonseca. I also think Torrado is not fit to be on the National Team. He was completely lost on the field, and he gave away or lost too many balls.
I would like to see Ramon Morales on the left side. He adds some experience and a deadly left foot to the MExican attack. I think Pineda played well, but for most of the first half he was held back. When he was allowed to let loose and make runs up the left side, he was able to help open up the Iranian defense.
I don’t like Castro on the right side. Though he is a fast player, he tends to take something away from the attack (boy do we miss Carmona now).
The game against Angola is going to be tough. The Africans have speed and power, but they lack technique. They’ve proven that against Italy and Argentina. They had many chances, but because of their poor finishing skills, ended up losing their games. I believe Mexico will take it 2-0. Hopefully more, but I’m guessing 2-0.

Posted from United States

Comments are closed