The Colombia friendly: Not what we wanted, but possibly needed.

March 1st, 2012 | by: Al | Comments Off

This is a guest post by fellow blogger Bryan W; check out his page at http://thefutbolblog.wordpress.com/.

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If you are a fan of Mexico, then you and I both felt like we were being tortured watching Wednesday’s game. The complete lack of rhythm was a 180 from what we have been used thanks to a great 2011. Yet as my emotions settled down, I started to dissect the game a little more accurately, and now find myself looking at what should be taken away from Wednesday.

1) Sometimes the ball does not roll your way

Literally, the ball was not rolling Mexico’s way against Colombia. It seemed like every time a major opportunity presented itself, the fortune for Colombia was greater. The best example was a cross from Barrera in which Zavala tried to slide and tap in. Unfortunately the ball just barely hitting the cross bar was the difference from 1-0 lead, and remaining 0-0. Then we saw Falcao doing absolutely nothing, receiving a deflection for the go-ahead lead. The little things like this are something every team will experience, and even though I wanted Mexico to gain positive energy for this upcoming year. I may have to conclude that it is better to have this happen in the first game (with Euro based players) of the year to humble our squad just a bit.

2) Trying to clean up the roster

At half it was only a single goal deficit for Mexico. Yet just 15 minutes into the second, Colombia made it 0-2. As this happened it seemed Chepo made every substitution, he had. What proceeded was an even worse display of passing, and offensive attack. I feel this will shed some light on which players Chepo should be calling in the near future. Of course we may have had a bit of a different outcome had Vela not declined for his “personal reasons.” To add, I do understand Chepo has had some questionable roster moves in the past…but we never lost as bad as we did on Wednesday since he has been in charge. Yet fortunately, we have some time to brush up on a solid roster before we start an important summer, and we can only hope we will see changes needed. I believe every fan of ‘El tri’ will be a bit worried if we see some of the names called come August against our greatest foe. It is wake-up time, and I think Chepo will be ready.

As mentioned sometimes the things we think will happen…do not. I was a bit nauseous watching Wednesdays match, but we will have to applaud Colombia on their efforts. They were definitely more prepared than Mexico. Excuses should not be our center of attention, but more of a reflection to acquire an understanding that many teams can cause problems like this for Mexico. If we are not ready, an outcome like the one in Miami will be inevitable. For now, us Mexico fans will wait until the next friendly is scheduled. We may have to be sour for a little while longer, but I feel Mexico will be able to pick up where 2011 left us.

-Bryan W