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Mexico only has Mexico to fear

As Friday´s World Cup draw nears, Mexico supporters, like those of every country involved, will be eagerly anticipating the results, but with a slight twist. Unlike other squads, El Tri only really need to fear one team in the draw -- Mexico.

Things have changed since the aftermath of the 2012 London Games, when Mexico´s gold medal victory over Brazil had most El Tri fans thinking that the 2014 World Cup draw was when the excitement, anticipation and worry over the tournament would really begin.

No one dreamed that Mexico would head to the World Cup only after being forced to defeat New Zealand in a playoff. Even that opportunity was not earned by Mexico on their own merit, but rather humiliatingly gifted by their fierce rivals via the United States´ defeat of Panama.

Once qualified, however, the whys and hows of the qualification shouldn´t matter much. If Mexico performs as it has traditionally done in the World Cup, then the draw results shouldn´t really matter, either.

Regardless of the difficulty or ease of the group, what El Tri has done consistently for years is to advance out of group play. Since 1994, El Tri has managed to make the second round in every World Cup. While that is definitely commendable, the round of 16 has also been the stopping point every time for Mexico.

In 1994, Mexico advanced out of a tough group that included Italy, Ireland and Norway. Bulgaria was the team that eliminated El Tri. In 1998, Mexico advanced from a group with the Netherlands, South Korea, and Belgium. Germany then took them out. In 2002, Mexico moved on at the top of a group that included Italy, Ecuador and Croatia, before losing to the United States in the next match. 2006 saw El Tri seeded in a group that included Angola, Portugal and Iran. Mexico only defeated Iran, losing to Portugal and drawing versus Angola, but that was enough to advance. Argentina knocked the squad out, as it would again in 2010. In that most recent World Cup, Mexico had advanced out of a group that included the host country, South Africa, France and Uruguay.

So even if Mexico repeats history, it at least means the team advances to the second round. Except this team, despite huge potential in player talent, has made history of late in negative ways. A failure to advance out of a World Cup group would be a devastating landmark. Mexico fans certainly don´t want a repeat of this year´s Confederations Cup, where Mexico played poorly and was eliminated in group play.

From Olympic glory to nearly not making the World Cup tournament, it´s a case of Mexico being its own worst enemy.

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez is mired in a scoring slump. No goalkeeper is set for the squad. Carlos Vela is AWOL. Giovani Dos Santos is inconsistent. European talent hasn´t meshed with domestic stars. Rafael Marquez has lost speed. Raul Jimenez is still inexperienced, and Oribe Peralta can´t do it all.

The flip side of this is that the slate is wiped clean at the start of a tournament. Mexico´s fall from grace in 2013 can certainly be redeemed by a stellar 2014. After success in international youth level tournaments, El Tri players know they have the talent to compete and defeat any individual squad, if they themselves come together and play to their full potential.

With a new coach, Miguel Herrera, who is focused on positive player interaction and a cohesive team attack, Mexico could manage a startling turnaround to excellent play in short order. It may even work in the team´s favor that expectation at the World Cup will undoubtedly be lowered due to a difficult qualification campaign.

Few true fans will reduce their expectations, though. Though distant, Mexico has the standard of quarterfinal tournament play as its World Cup apex, and every upcoming tournament is seen as an opportunity to meet and exceed that point. Excuses from players of distractions, lack of motivation and disgruntled behavior won´t be accepted as adequate reasons for the team to fall short of a valiant attempt towards that goal.

The draw will tell the team who their opponents are, but Mexico must defeat its demons in order to shine at the World Cup.

A likely tough group ahead for Mexico

Less than a day before all 32 qualified nations to the 2014 World Cup know their fate ahead of the biggest tournament in the sport, it is the nations from Asia as well as North and Central America who fear for the worst ahead of the draw in Costa do Sauipe.

FIFA’s complicated geographically-based rulings as to how teams would be grouped ahead of the actual ceremony have added an extra layer of intrigue to proceedings. Pot 2, currently consisting of seven unseeded South American and African teams, will have an extra European team added into the mix before the actual draw gets started.

Considering that no group may have three European teams in it, the extra team in Pot 2 will likely create havoc and allow certain countries to avoid big, unseeded UEFA nations such as France, England, Netherlands and Italy in their sectors. However, if none of the aforementioned teams are drawn into Pot 2, Mexico, as well as the other CONCACAF and AFC nations will have a 50% chance of drawing one of those perennial candidates in their group, regardless of who they get from the seeded Pot 1.

Given Mexico’s current form after a shaky 2013, a tough draw will likely squeeze some of the budding confidence out of the nation even after it destroyed New Zealand in the World Cup qualifying playoff last month. Even then, there is hope that a best-case scenario will allow El Tri to coast into the Round of 16, where it has invariably faltered since 1994.

Scenario #1 - Group of Death
Argentina
Nigeria
Mexico
Italy

Being thrown into a group against Argentina, arguably Mexico’s biggest thorn in their side in recent memory, would create instant unhappiness. Add to that a resurgent Italy, who with four titles under their belt and a win over El Tri in this year’s Confederations Cup, would feel good about facing Miguel Herrera’s side.

Despite beating Ivory Coast in an August friendly this year, Mexico’s struggles against African sides are well-documented. They were unable to get a win against Angola in the 2006 World Cup, and could have been beaten by South Africa in the 2010 opener. Nigeria, a team with unfulfilled promises that remind many of a CAF version of Mexico, would spell trouble.

Scenario #2 – A dream draw

Switzerland
Ecuador
Mexico
Bosnia

Despite boasting obvious quality, Switzerland is frankly, the least threatening of all the seeded teams in Pot 1. Drawing the likes of Gokhan Inler, Tranquilo Barnetta and Philippe Senderos is welcome if it means avoiding Spain, Germany, Brazil or even Colombia.

Ecuador has risen to be a tough South American team of late, but they are perhaps the easiest team for Mexico to scout with several of their top players in the Liga MX already. Bosnia, a newcomer to the international stage, has actually faced Mexico in recent times, not faring well despite fielding a complete squad in their last meeting, a 2012 friendly which El Tri won 2-1. Again, though Bosnia has a wealth of talent, they are much more enticing than facing the likes of England or France.

Scenario #3 – A mixed bag

Brazil
Ivory Coast
Mexico
Greece

Based on history, it’s highly unlikely that the host nation would get such a balanced draw to begin with, but still – facing Brazil on its home turf (just a year after getting clobbered at the Confederations Cup) would be no picnic for Mexico despite their recent record against the Selecao.

Ivory Coast is a strong team that has been the crème of Africa for the better part of the last decade. Mexico might acquire a false sense of confidence after beating them over the summer, especially considering the Elephants’ acute physical advantages over El Tri.

Greece might look like a pushover on paper, but its stout defense gave most of Europe headaches over the qualification period. Mexico tends to struggle mightily against teams who do not allow space in the back. A complete toss-up.

Toluca vs. Club America: Final score 2-1, second leg should be tight

http://www.youtube.com/w…XkinDthuZyo

The Red Devils got off to a terrible start, but surged to life in the second half to set up what should be a great second leg on the weekend.

Toluca are heading into the second leg of their Liga MX Liguilla semifinal against Club America with a lead, but they´re facing a tough test at Estadio Azteca after giving up an away goal. Things could have been a lot worse for the Red Devils after a poor first half, but they scored twice quickly after the break and held on for a 2-1 win.

Things got ugly early for Toluca, with Wilson Tiago going down injured within the first 15 minutes. Seconds after he was replaced by Xavier Baez, ´Maza´ Francisco Rodriguez nearly put America ahead, smacking the crossbar from 25 yards.

The visitors didn´t have to wait much longer to see one hit the back of the net, with Luis Gabriel Rey netting the opener at the end of a beautiful Club America attack. Rubens Sambueza started the move with a pulled back pass between the legs of a Toluca defender that found Paul Aguilar, who hit a square ball across the face of goal. Rey made the perfect run and placed a backheel flick into the side netting at the far post.

America continued to dominate until the end of the first half. Raul Jimenez forced Alfredo Talavera into a big save less than four minutes after the goal and there were a few more speculative efforts from them, but they couldn´t add to their lead.

Toluca made a tactical change at the break, introducing forward Raul Nava in place of playmaker Sinha. It didn´t take long for them to make the most of their fresher and younger legs -- Sinha looked every day of his 37 years old in the first half -- and they had the lead before the game hit the hour mark.

Isaac Brizuela had the best of the night´s three goals in the 50th minute. After picking up a pass from Antonio Rios on the right wing, he cut inside onto his left foot and surged past two America defenders before unleashing a drive from 20 yards that beat Moises Muñoz at his far post. Five minutes later, Edgar Benitez notched Toluca´s second, taking advantage of the acres of space he was gifted on the left side of the box to place a narrow-angle shot over Muñoz´s outstretched hand.

America almost stole a draw and another away goal in the dying minutes through their star Raul Jimenez, but his international teammate Talavera came up with a huge save on his curling effort from just inside 15 yards to preserve Toluca´s win and send them to Mexico City with an advantage.

Toluca: Talavera, Pinto, Gamboa, Da Silva, Rojas (Esquivel 54´), Tiago (Baez 16´), Rios, Sinha (Nava 46´), Benitez, Brizuela, Velazquez

Goals: Brizuela (50´), Benitez (55´)

America: Muñoz, Mosquera, Maza, Valenzuela (Bermudez 83´), Layun, Martinez (Mendoza 66´), Medina, Sambueza (Aldrete 61´), Aguilar, Jimenez, Rey

Goals: Rey (33´)

Club Leon vs. Santos Laguna: Final score 3-1, visitors keep it interesting


http://www.youtube.com/w…DCJU3akFRQQ

An emphatic 90 minutes from Leon saw them nearly put their Liguilla semifinal leg to bed, but they forgot to play stoppage time.

Leon put together 90 minutes of a dominant performance on Thursday night, but face a tricky away match this weekend after losing their focus in stoppage time. Santos Laguna found an away goal through Javier Orozco at the end of a poor performance, and after a 3-1 loss Los Guerreros have a much better chance to advance in the Liguilla semifinals than they should.

It took until the 35th minute for Leon to find a breakthrough, but they looked like the much better side up until that point. Jose Vazquez scored the opener with a bullet of a drive from outside the box, assisted by Hernan Burbano. Eight minutes later, Carlos Peña doubled Leon´s lead, cleaning up the garbage in the box after Oswaldo Sanchez made a stop on Matias Britos.

Things continued on in similar fashion in the second half, eventually culminating in Leon scoring a third time through substitute Franco Arizala. They looked to be coasting to a shutout win and a final appearance until they gifted Santos a late goal. A couple of substitutes combined to make it work, with Mauro Cejas picking out the head of Orozco with a cross. They were seriously aided by Leon keeper William Yarbrough, who came off his line unnecessarily and flapped at the ball, never coming close to making contact.

Leon: Yarbrough, Hernadnez, Marquez, Magallon, Ibarra, Peña (Delgado 79´), Montes (Loboa 70´), Burbano (Arizala 67´), Vazquez, Britos, Boselli

Goals: Vazquez (35´), Peña (43´), Arizala (70´)

Santos: Sanchez, Fanjul, Baloy, Araujo, Alanis, Escoboza, Rodriguez, Salinas (Crosas 75´), Calderon (Cejas 46´), Quintero (Orozco 74´), Peralta

Goals: Orozco (90´)

Guatemala - Semifinale, 1 første kamp.

Begge forhåndsfavoritter Comunicaciones og Deportivo Municipal led nederlag. Førstnævnte 0-1 til Marquense i San Marcos - målscorer Joaquín Álvarez. Deportivo Municipal gik ned med hele 0-3 i Morales til Heredia, Andrson Andrade, David Espinoza og Enríque Miranda med målene.

http://www.youtube.com/w…ebiWSCsFvCw

http://www.youtube.com/w…ebiWSCsFvCw


Umiddelbart ligner det en finale mellem Comunicaciones og Heredia, returkampene spilles i weekenden.

Brasilianske Camilo har fået noget af et gennembrud i MLS. Golden Booth og Årets mål i år. En speciel tur han har taget sig for at nå frem i rampelyset:

http://sambafodbold.blog…-mal-i.html

ganske fornuftigt træf han fik på kuglen i den situation...ellers går jeg udfra folk er parate til VM-lodtrækningen...

Chelsea mull mega-million move for Falcao

Chelsea will need to produce an offer worth around 80 million pounds in order to land their top transfer target, Radamel Falcao.

The Daily Star reports Falcao´s employers Monaco have told Blues officials that they are looking for a stellar bid, otherwise they will not part with the Colombian front-man. One solution for Jose Mourinho, and those wanting Falcao at Stamford Bridge, would be to give Fernando Torres or Demba Ba as a part-exchange deal, which would significantly lower the amount of cash needed.

Widespread reports out of Spain, meanwhile, state Falcao has asked his Ligue 1 bosses if he can go out on loan as he is becoming increasingly frustrated with life in France.

Something has to give at Manchester United, and soon. Anderson could be the one to make way in midfield, with the Daily Mirror indicating manager David Moyes is considering selling the Brazilian to Porto in January. It is said the Portuguese giants are interested in Anderson, who could be replaced by Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic.

Finally, Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is considering a January switch to Bundesliga outfit Schalke, the Daily Mail reports. Often the understudy in north London over the years, Fabianski wants a shot to be a club´s No. 1, and Schalke have seemingly lost faith in shot-stopper Timo Hildebrand. The German club has also been linked with Real Madrid´s Iker Casillas, but Fabianski would appear a more realistic transfer target.

Carlos Bianchi: "El año de Boca fue mediocre"

BUENOS AIRES -- El entrenador de Boca Juniors, Carlos Bianchi, admitió el viernes que el año fue "mediocre" para su equipo porque estuvo lejos de cumplir con sus objetivos, y remarcó que debe "hacer lo máximo" el domingo ante Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata para terminar el 2013 con "otra cara".

"Nuestro año fue mediocre, no podemos esconder la cara. Estuvimos muy lejos de lo que pretendíamos cuando asumimos en enero. No tuvimos continuidad en el juego ni en las formaciones. No pudimos demostrar el mejor nivel y eso hizo que el equipo sea irregular", destacó Bianchi en una conferencia de prensa que brindó en el Complejo Pedro Pompilio.

Además agregó: "Tenemos que hacer lo máximo para terminar un año que no fue bueno mostrando otra cara y acercándonos a los partidos que jugamos bien".

El entrenador de Boca, Carlos Bianchi, reiteró que su equipo no merecía pelear por el título del torneo Inicial debido a que no aprovecharon las oportunidades que se les presentaron y señaló que en este semestre "se demostró que el celular de Dios no lo tenía".

"Cuando teníamos que decir presente no lo hicimos", dijo Bianchi en conferencia de prensa, y admitió que termina "el año preocupado" y que ya piensa en el inicio de la pretemporada, el 3 de enero.

Luego, con su habitual ironía, soltó: "Se demostró que el celular de Dios no lo tenía".

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