Giovani Dos Santos is missing because of injury. Jonathan didn’t make it on to the “big boy” team.

Arellano and Esqueda add themselves as well.

It’s very similar to the roster against the United States earlier this month, but with Alberto Medina and Carlos Vela out due to injuries. Rafa Marquez is still injured as well and there is no point in calling him up since he’ll probably be recovered once these games take place.

Also returning to the team again are Néstor Calderón, Héctor Moreno and Pablo Barrera. Calderón is currently one of the top scorers in the Apertura, Moreno is starting with AZ Alkmaar, and Barrera is losing matches with Pumas (but he did do well in the Gold Cup).

I still don’t see how Nery Castillo is deserving of a call-up. He needs to get his shit together both at his club (he’s not playing regularly depite being loaned) and in the national team. He’s good, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t see how he has earned his place.

Also, I’m glad that Efrain Juarez, Israel Castro and the aforementioned Barrera will have the chance to be a part of a winning team again. Jeje.

Yeah, well those arefactors but the US team wasn’t the only one that had to deal with those. How many players play in that altitude(yeah, we have European based players too you know. I know crazy, huh…)? How many players were getting fouled. The players didn’t have a heat resistant veil around them either. And well there’s a thing called pressure.

Oh, and the weather? The weather was in the nice range of the 80’s(F). There were clearly, clear skies.

Well, you had your “A” team. This game “mattered.” It was worth something(3 points). The best team in US history. The one that beat Spain in the Confederations Cup…I’m waiting for the next game. And the excuses that will pop up for that.

As for the referee. Oh shut it. He had a good game. Yeah, there were some things, but it even out for both teams. Bocanegra deserved to be sent off for a second yellow, and there’s no arguments that Nery Castillo should have been punished as well.

The truth is that Mexico were the better team today. Period. The US did have chunks of time where they dominated, and looked quite dangerous. Dangerous enough to win the game. But face it. Mexico WERE the better team. There’ll be excuses thrown all around(I’ve already seen tons of them, and the game just ended) but Mexico deserved to win.

Just admit it. You aren’t as good as you thought you were(one win against Spain doesn’t make you a superpower).

In the opening stages of the game both teams were holding on pretty tight. They were anticipating every move, and weren’t giving away too much. Both Mexico and the US attacked.

Mexico’s first warning shot came in the 2nd minute with Andres Guardado taking a shot from outside the area, but Timmy Howard easily took care of that.

The US decided to respond right away with Charlie Davies making his way into the Mexican area, only to be stopped by Carlos Salcido.

Too early in the game, the US went up. In the 9th minute Landon Donovan(or Jotovan) picked up a ball and sent it to Davies. Davies then went past all the Mexican defenders who were left back sleeping, and easily sent it past Guillermo Ochoa to give the US the 1-0 lead.

After the US goal it was plainly clear that the US withdrew back, happy with the minimal lead, and waited for a counterattack opportunity.

Their waiting just caused harm as in the 19th minute Israel Castro took a powerful right footed shot from right outside the area that hit under the cross bar past Timmy Howard. Castro had received the ball from Blanco, and took the initiative to shoot for the equalizer at 1-1.

Mexico looked to go up once more in the 24th minute when Franco sent a ball to Gio who’s shot went rolling across the goal. Ultimately, it was called offsides.

In the 29th minute Mexico came close with a free kick, but Howard punched it away off the line.

Coming back for the second half, Mexico had a shot in the 53rd minute. Guillermo Franco laid a ball for Blanco, but the Chicago Fire player was unable to do anything and Michael Bradley cleared.

In the 58th, Gio received the ball unmarked, but was unable to make anything of his poor shot.

Then in the 65th minute Guardado had a good play in the US area. He made a pass to himself right in front of goal, but Cherundolo was able to clear it.

In the 75th minute Guillermo Franco had a good opportunity during a corner kick. Franco received the ball, but was unable to control it, and Howard was able to control the ball and the bottom of the post.

Finally, in the 81st minute Efrain Juarez took off with the ball leaving behind the US team, but mostly Landon Donovan who had traced him down. Donovan took him down right at the end, but Juarez was able to pass the ball back, which bounced to Sabah who shot past Howard’s outstretched hand to give Mexico the 2-1 score.

I liked this game. Mexico deserved to win this game. They played well, as did the US. You could see a different attitude from the players as they started. The only problem that I really have is that fans are going to celebrate this game like Mexico just won the World Cup. Sometimes, it’s not just the media that’s at fault for problems that occur. Yeah, they won, but the major celebrations aren’t really needed. And that they completely disrespected the US anthem. That’s just a No-No. I don’t care if it’s a game between Palestine and Israel. That’s just not done. Anywhere.

The defense was a bit shaky, but overall did a decent job. They were caught by the speed, but that isn’t really that surprising, is it. Rafael Marquez will be nice sight when he comes back for a game. Thankfully, he wasn’t on the field, because with the fracas going on he surely would have warranted a card.

Midfield played well. They provided good coverage, and creativity when called upon.

And up top. Again! Finishing was a problem at times, and that seriously needs to be worked on.

Nery Castillo. You got to keep that temper in check. I don’t think he contributed much to the game besides trying to start fights. Not that a good fight isn’t enjoyed, but in a game this close he should have kept himself more in check.

And US supporters smack talking Giovani. Be jealous. That hatred is just jealousy because as “dirty” as he played today(?), you should recheck some of the US players…Ahem.

A good try goes out to the US team. The “Gooch” was one of the best players on the field(and seriously Nery, don’t pick fights with this guy. He could probably get rid of that unibrow of yours with a swift punch. Show him you’re better, but with what you can do with the ball.) Davies was seriously worrying. And of course, Timmy Howard did well in goal(although not as well as I expected him too).

Mexico is in 3rd place right now, but Honduras has yet to play against Costa Rica.

Next game is on September 5th against Costa Rica.

You all should know what “huevos” means. No, not eggs. Some of you refer it as balls, cojones, pantalones, or whatever. It straight up means courage, energy, desire, and everything that makes winners. Pretty much, what is needed against the USA on August 12.

The Nike honchos put it in better words:

“HUEVOS is a new way to understand football, to give it all on the pitch and to dare, without fear, to leave your mark. To make an example to everybody”

New way to understand football? Through balls? Mkay.

At least the logo doesn’t include something twisted like an open mouth, ready and waiting. (Okay, enough. Let’s move on).

Those involved with Nike’s balls: Memo Ochoa, Rafael Marquez, Gerardo Torrado, Carlos Vela and Giovani dos Santos.

A few examples:

“Balls: to keep on believing when no one else does”

Balls: to start the attack from the defense. (In Rafa’s case, from the couch. -Editor)

Balls: To support an entire country on your legs without trembling.

Balls: to clear away the critics with your hands. (Reference to goalkeeping, makes more sense in Spanish).

I think that it’s a clever way to increase support, because lack of “huevos” is something that is mentioned often when criticizing the national team after underperforming.

The official Facebook group is http://www.facebook.com/huevosmexico which is having a “look at the sky with your mouth open and take a picture” contest. I sure as hell won’t be joining a group called “Huevos” as my lady friends could get the wrong idea. Everybody these days knows Spanish.

Despite the rumors, ‘Conejo’ Perez is not on the roster. Ochoa and Corona are the two on the list, and it seems safe to assume that Ochoa will be under the sticks for the game against the US.

Juarez, Castro, and Magallon will be returning after the stint with the national team. The only one that is surprising is Castro. He had decent performances, but at other times it was a wonder why he was there.
Marquez, Osorio, and Salcido are on the list. Marquez said that he’d be ready to play about 45 mins(coming back from his injury, not the time allotted for a red card), but I didn’t think that Osorio was ready.
Aaron Galindo from Chivas, and Oscar Rojas from America are also on the defense.
I’m surprised that Fausto Pinto has been left out since he did a a good job at the Gold Cup. Maybe facing the more physical players of the US kept him out?

In the midfield Gerardo Torrado and Israel Castro are back. Also, Andres Guardado and Cuautemoc Blanco. I’m not really sure if Blanco’s inclusion is right. Sure, he’ll add that creativity, but it’s also time to let go of this player.

Up front Medina, Giovani, Vela, Sabah, and Franco are back. Not really surprising since they performed well in the Gold Cup, although Medina may have to more consistency finding the net.
Nery Castillo is also on the list. It’s surprising since he doesn’t seem to get playing time with his club, and on the latest call ups has underperformed.
I’m surprised that Pablo Barrera was left out. He came in a as a substitute and performed well during games.

So who deserves to be here, and who doesn’t?

Any surprises?

Leave your comments below.

Of course, with Mexico being Mexico, it wasn’t and instead the score ended at 2-1.

The game started off quickly, giving hope to plenty of people. In the first minute Mexico went up 1-0 after Guillermo Franco scored off a pass from Nery Castillo. “Guille” went into the area unmarked, and took advantage as the T&T goalkeeper came out to give Mexico the advantage.

During the next 20 minutes the team missed four clear chances for goals.

Then in the 34th, Nery Castillo was injured. The Shakhtar player felt something in his left leg, and asked to be taken out of the game.

Then, right before the first half ended T&T scored their goal by Tinto. He took advantage of an error by the Mexican defense to score the equalizer.

Coming back for the second half Mexico once more left it early. In the 48th minute Oscar Rojas connected outside the area to put Mexico up 2-0.

In the 84th minute “Venado” Medina had a close chance to put Mexico up 3-1 with a shot from far out.

Mexico did win, but they had plenty of opportunities during which they should have scored. The score could have been different by a wider margin, but again, finishing was the problem.

Now, Mexico sit in 4th in the qualifying rankings.

Aguirre now has won his first game during his second stint as coach of Mexico, and has lost one.

That was El Salvador’s motto going into he game. Whether they will stay at home watching the World Cup from home on their TV’s, they’ve accomplished what they wanted for the night. Now, Mexico’s qualifying route gets tougher, but with the games at the Aztec stadium assured it’s more likely that Mexico will make it. With the showing tonight, no one would really guess that.

Tonight, El Salvador beat Mexico 2-1 in a physical game. We came close to equalizing, but in the end the second goal was taken away. While it may be easier to say that we were screwed out of many things, the truth is that Mexico defeated themselves. The taunts about swine flu didn’t really seem to affect the team as much.

Aguirre’s arrival was received with high hopes, and unrealistic expectations. Now, Mexico has(hopefully) been brought down to Earth and will be realistic in the upcoming games.

The game started out well for Mexico. In the 5th minute Arce and Guardado combined for the first chance of the game. Guardado rose up for the cross from Arce and headed the ball into the ‘keeper
’s hands, but bade well for the start.

Again in the 8th Mexico had a chance. Arce had a good shot, but his chip was wasted as he put too much force into his drive and sent to ball over the cross bar.

Although El Salvador weren’t arriving towards the Mexican area as much, it was they who scored first. In the 12th minute Rodolfo Zelaya weaved in and out between Torrado and Osorio then sent it to Martinez who scored. El Salvador were up 1-0.

During the 25th came close. Nery ‘The Brow’ Castillo and Arce combined and sent in a strong shot. The ‘keeper came out and barely managed to punch the ball and left it in a dangerous area, but no Mexican player was there to take advantage of the mistake.

As the game progressed, the Salvadorians became more comfortable and took more shots from outside the area.

Then the game became more dangerous in the 26th minute when ‘Conejo’ tried to control a cross, but it slipped from his hands. The ball went past his hands and went towards goal. Aaron Galindo rushed to save the ball and prevented El Salvador from going up 2-0.

The physical game escalated to new heights when Guille Franco and a Salvadorian player had a tousle in the area. The opposition player threw his hand across Franco’s face and Franco retaliated by throwing a side punch and drawing blood.

In the second half El Salvador came close. Zelaya came close in the 50th by weaving through the Mexican defense.

Then again in the 52nd injured Pacheco took a free kick, but ‘Conejo’ managed to save.

Finally in the 70th minute Mexico equalized. Guillermo Franco had gone into the area, but was brought down. The referee called a penalty and Blanco stepped up to take it. Blanco easily converted it and put Mexico on level terms at 1-1.

El Salvador came close again in the 75th. Zelaya rose up against the Mexican defense but it went into ‘Conejo’s’ hands.

Mexico came close in the 77th minute when Oscar Rojas let go a powerful shot, but it went wide. Had it gone straight, it would most likely have been a goal.

Then, in the 84th minute El Salvador was given a penalty. As Quintanilla came up the right side he sent in a cross. Rojas was there to block it less than a meter away, but his hand hit the ball and the penalty was given away. El Salvador scored and they were winning 2-1.

Although the game was coming to a close, Mexico kept on fighting. In the 88th minute Franco and Blanco combined. Franco had passed to Blanco who went up one on one against the goalkeeper. Blanco slid and hit the ball, watching it roll towards goal slowly. No defender managed to get back, and the second goal went in, but as soon as the celebrations started it was annulled for being offsides.

Now, the table looks like this.

Overall, the game was disappointing. Mexico had plenty of chances, but again finishing was the problem.

With the game coming up on Wednesday I almost wish that we would lose that too. Mexico’s head gets blown up after a win, and expectations are placed too high. All the losses are forgotten and the presumption of having the right to win every game comes up. With a loss at home, I think that it would more realisticly show Mexico’s problems.

Aguirre won’t be the solution. I don’t know what the solution is. He helped once, but all the factors were different during the time he came in.

Hopefully, maybe, he can work his magic once more.

The next game is on Wednesday June 10th against Trinidad and Tobago. Since it’s at the Azteca, it’s pretty much a given that we’ll win.

In all 24 players made the list and will be with the team until June 10.

As usual, there’s a surprise or two.

Surprises

‘Maza’ Rodriguez- Hasn’t had regular playing time
Hector Moreno- Is still recovering from his injury
Cuautemoc Blanco- He declared that he wanted to come back, but he’s 36 now…
Guillermo Franco- He hasn’t been playing either
Oscar Perez- There’s better choices out there

Most of the call ups are the usual suspects. Of course, Marquez is out because of his recent operation.

Zinha who has been pulling strings at Toluca is still missing, and Luis Michel who had a good showing in the Clausura 2009 with Chivas(when is he FINALLY going to get his turn?). And of course Oswaldo Sanchez who seems to be a regular on recent lists.

“For me it’s an honor to come back home. It was almost seven years away. I see with joy many familiar faces. I come to gain points, I come to get on this car of optimism that’s with the Mexican national team now,” said Aguirre during his press conference.

“I want that the player that comes, comes with pride. That they recover their identity, the love for the shirt, that it’s a prize and not a punishment to come to the Seleccion because for us it’s a prize of our careers, to be with the Tricolor.”

Aguirre also cleared up rumors on the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, calling him in for the job.

“I negotiated with Nestor de la Torre, with Justino Compean, and with Decio de Maria. It’s absolutely false that the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, talked to me about a return to the national team. I did talk to him, not once, but many times. He’s honored me with his friendship, and we’ve talked a bit about how he sees Mexico’s youth, how he sees the picture of Mexican sports, and person subjects.”

Speculation was made on whether a preparation game would be added before the qualifier against El Salvador, but Aguirre has opted for a concentration of the players instead.

“We’re not going to have a game prior to the qualifying against El Salvador. It’s not ideal, but that’s what it is and I’ve accepted the challenge. What I will do first is get to know the current players. For that there will be call-ups for the 27, 28, and 29 of April. There are players that I don’t know personally, I’ll try to get to know them, look them in the eyes. The first moment will be for this and obviously to work against the clock. The seven remaining games have to be won.”

He will be officially unveiled as the national team coach on April 16th.

“We sat down with Javier for five hours, but the economic terms were settled in 30 minutes. I have a great relationship with him. I went to go see him twice when he was in Europe and we talked mostly on what we were going to work on, and some formations. Every time there’s a new manager things have to be cleared up so there’s no differences,” said Nestor de la Torre.

The contract has been broken up into two stages; World Cup Qualifying and World Cup.

“The most important thing is that things turn out fairly. Javier is satisfied with what was offered to him, and it’s fair for both parts. A contract was made for two stages, the qualifying and the world cup.”

Well good luck Aguirre. Recently you got back Atleti into the Champions League. People are expecting you to do great things. If you get at least 1/2 of that done you’ll be a success.

You’ve saved Mexico before, and now it seems like you’ve become the savior yet again.