Mexico World Cup Team Blog » World Cup 2006

muchisimas gracias

John — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 22:24:37 +0000

Me ha encantado poder dar mi opinion acerca del estado del futbol mexicano en este mundial y por lo general. A todos ustedes que hicieron de este blog un divertido ejercicio, les agradescco muchisisisimo.

Estoy convencido que al porvenir, Mexico estara en muy buena posicion para destacar, no solo en el siguiente mundial, si no tambien en la copa america, copa de oro, y los juegos olimpicos.

ustedes son muy apasionados por el futbol de mexico, y ojala uno de estos dias, tendremos una seleccion que pueda cumplir los sue~nos de todos nosotros.

Hasta la proxima

John jagou

La Gran Final

John — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 23:07:27 +0000

After a month-long feast of the beautiful game, the world cup will culminate with a rematch of the fantastic Euro 2000 Final between France and Italy. If I said that one team used a strong defense, bruising midfielders, and an opportunistic attack to score goals, which team would I be describing? Most folks would say Italy, of course. But not this time. The French have tempered their usual attacking style with more defensive gameplans. It hasn’t been pretty, but it sure has worked. On the other hand, the Italians have played with great flair at times, and their ability to shut down attacks was elevated to an art form, exemplified by their virtuoso performance in the semi-finals.

The best part of the final is that we get to see the greatest player of the last 10 years leave the game on the biggest stage. I don’t really have an emotional stake for either team, but as I told my wife last night, I will root for France because I want Zizou to go out a champion. She will be rooting for Italy because “they’re the best looking team in the tournament.” I don’t think she means their style of play, though.

And a touch of trivia for you folks. France and Italy last met in a world cup in 1998, at St. Dénis, in the quarterfinals. A PK win by france after a 0-0 draw. My question to you is… what stadium was the venue for their previous world cup meeting?

Archundia Impresses

John — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 23:57:36 +0000

Armando Archundia has been lauded by the world press for his performance in yesterday’s semi final tilt. It was apparent from the beginning that Archundia was going to let the players get physical in pursuit of the ball. He was very selective with his cautions, as he only showed the yellow to those who tackled from behind. He also showed no tolerance for diving, play acting, and talking back to the ref. In all, he did a damn good job, did not influence the outcome of the match at all, and was only noticed when he needed to be noticed.

It was his world cup record 5th world cup game to officiate. So at least 1 Mexican made it to the magical 5th game.

Salcido staying in Europe

John — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 06:05:23 +0000

The CD Guadalajara front office will announce next week that Carlos Salcido will be transferred to Europe. Teams from Spain and England are thought to be the front runners.

This is great news for Salcido and Mexico. I personally hope he goes to play in Spain. La liga has more varied offensive styles than the Premier League, which, obviously has a long list of merits as well. Hopefully this is the first in series of announcements of Mexicanos signing on to play in Europe.

The future is bright, right?

John — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 04:53:36 +0000

We’ve had time to lick our wounds, shed a few tears, badmouth the bad plays, imagine the what ifs, compose ourselves, and now move on.

This team had a nearly perfect balance of young players, established players, and grizzled veterans. For some, like Borgetti, Sanchez, Pardo, Franco, the window for playing in the world cup has closed. For others like Salcido, Osorio, Marquez, Pineda, Guardado, Perez, Ochoa, they’ll be poised spearhead the campaign for South Africa. There are still others like Kikin, Ramoncito, Bravo, Mendez, Maza who will probably cannot afford to have a drop in form because they will be 4 years older.

The players that are coming up are the most promising group Mexico have ever had. Giovanni dos Santos may be the difference maker Mexican soccer has historically lacked. And his brother is supposed to be even better (he’s 14 now). Carlos Vela and Luis Landin could evolve into a lethal combination up front. And there are many more. Olvera, Sandoval, Esparza, Esquivel …. These players have potential, but as I ‘ve mentioned here before, potential means you ain’t done nothin’ yet.

So as you complete your mourning process, and your life slowly goes back to normal, keep an eye on these youngsters. Let’s see if they can make the little things happen so we can achieve our biggest dreams.

The last time…

John — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 23:46:31 +0000

The last time Argentina and Mexico played in the world cup, it was the first world cup. That’s astounding, considering that these two nations have more than 20+ world cups between them. Argentina defeated Mexico 6-3 in Uruguay 1930. But their history does not end there.

Mexico’s first invitation to the Copa America in 1993 culminated with a trip to the Final. They met Argentina in Quito, but were defeated 2-1 after a Batistuta goal in the 2nd half.

More recently, Mexico defeated Argentina in the 2004 Copa America, 1-0, with a fantastic goal from Ramon Morales. And in the 2005 Confed Cup, Mexico and Argentina went to extra time scoreless, Carlos Salcido put Mexico ahead, but they could not hold the lead. Argentina equalized and went on to win in the PKs.

Obviously, the stakes are a little higher in Leipzig on Saturday.

Sabor Argentino

John — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 12:49:51 +0000

It’s interesting that the majority of foreigners playing in Mexico hail from Argentina. I can only remember so far back, but guys like Norberto Outes, etc. lit up the liga mexicana with their dazzling play and scoring ability. Before I knew better, I could never figure out why he would never play on the national team when he played so well for Club America until my father told he was from Argentina. Too bad, I thought. He’s good.

Argentina has influenced Mexican soccer more than any other country. So much so that the current coach is Argentine. Will this help or hinder Mexico on Saturday? Will it even make a difference at all?

¿Alzados o panzazo?

John — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 10:25:00 +0000

Mexico is catching a huge break as it looks more and more that big Fil is going to indeed sit his yellows, but it doesn’t diminish the fact that Mexico needs to play well to advance. I hope we don’t have to rely on the Iranians for a result. Nevertheless, Mexico does seem to play better against higher quality teams… The game will end in a draw, and both teams play at least the weekend.

Slovak refs for the match

John — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 10:13:52 +0000

Referee: MICHEL Lubos (SVK)
Assistant Referee 1: SLYSKO Roman (SVK)
Assistant Referee 2: BALKO Martin (SVK)

Portugal or Iran?

John — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 06:13:42 +0000

It appears that the best scenario will be for Portugal to win, thus knocking Iran out, and sending Portugal to the next round.

A tie would add Iran to the mix for the last spot, and an Iran victory would make things very interesting indeed.