Today is the day Mexico plays a weakened El Salvador team in the grand Estadio Azteca. El Salvador has historically been one of the weaker teams in CONCACAF. After some player disputes, many of the experienced players refused to play so the El Salvador team will take on even younger and less experienced players. Making this team an even weaker opponent for Mexico, possibly.
What does this mean for Mexico?
- The Problem of Mexico playing to the level of their opponent.
Maybe Mexico doesn’t see the urgency when playing agains lower level teams or they expect a goal to eventually come, relatively easily. When Mexico plays Brazil, Spain or other bigger teams, they usually play with “garra”, “ganas” and give a good performance.
- Will Mexico underestimate El Salvador.
Mexico knows the problems the El Salvador federation is having. Many are asking not if Mexico will win, but how many goals they will score. Even if Chicharito will reach Borgetti’s record.
- Is there a Mexican arrogance in the air.
We have seen multiple lineups released by different sources. New players on defense, variety of combinations on offense. Chicharito on the bench possibly, along with Layun. Usually during friendlies you will see experimentation by NT coaches, trying out new lineups, formations, etc. This is the beginning of World Cup Qualifying. A legitimate tournament. Sure it’s a weakened El Salvador, but is it arrogant to put one lineup today and one vs Honduras, even if it’s just 4 player changes? Or is it not that important that a single linup of players gel and get fully used to playing under a new DT and a new strategy? Is this experimentation time or time to buckle up for a hard fought tournament to get to Russia?
Time will tell. Stay tuned tonight!