Road to the World Cup

The road to the 2010 World Cup started today for Mexico with their first qualifying game against Belize.

This games was also the last that Mexico will play under coach Jesús Ramirez, as Sven Eriksson will presumably take control of the helm for Mexico’s return game against Belize next week in Monterrey.

This game was expected to be a blowout by most, but at the end of the first half Mexico was tied with Belize at 0. This was pretty incredible considering the fact that most of the game was played on Belize’s half of the pitch. I missed the first 5 minutes and had to wait almost to the 40th minute to realize that Oswaldo Sanchez was the starting keeper for Mexico.

However, at the 66th minute Carlos Vela as able to kick in a ball of a rebounded shot that was partially blocked by keeper, Orio. Then in added time Mexico was awarded a penalty kick that was taken by Jared Borgetti.

Mexico won the game 2-0 but was a bit disappointing. Mexico moved the ball well but still lack players that are willing to take an outside shot or take on a defender.

However, it’s hard to make any lasting commentary on the way Mexico has been playing since they’ll have a new coach at the helm. I’m looking forward to coach Sven’s debut next week and to see what he changes. I think the fact that they’ll be playing Belize again will be a good way of contrasting Sven’s work to Chucho Ramirez.