Haven't posted in a while but I'd like to stoke the embers... FIFA ranking has Iceland ranked higher than Sweden by 4 spots. Elo Rating however has Sweden ranked higher. I'd still be more worried about Sweden because they are in Mexico's group and they have the style of football that can give Mexico trouble and also some bum named Zlatan who might be included last minute. Doubtful, very doubtful, but within the realm of a possibility. (I think Germany going to counter Mexico too) To put the last Mexico-Iceland friendly into context, Iceland fielded several inexperienced players so they weren't exactly at full strength. Even then, their manager was still disappointed to concede 3. In 2002 Argentina was widely expected to reach the final, yet they floundered and the nail in the coffin was a draw with Sweden, who they were 8 places better than in Elo. Mexico is 4 places better than Sweden so just hoping folks aren't putting too much stock in a friendly. Come the world cup, stakes and pressure will be higher. Would hate to see Mexico swedened in their last game with knockout stages at stake. Some quick points about the game. Mexico lined up in a 3313 formation Iceland exploited the space on the outside channels due to Mexico being so narrow Mexico/JCO was most worried about counter attack, followed by their height For some reason JCO switched Araujo and Salcedo's positioning around 18' Everybody passes the ball in the back - Even mighty 3 copas Espana during their long run had more horizontal passing then vertical passing - (Yeah its a bit frustrating seeing the throughball pass their and the team never attempted it) I guess the opponent can't counter you if you never risk the ball.
I had to re watch the game when I got home. The Levi's stadium is a clusterfvck. Partido molero. The fabian goal was pretty nice though.
I’m starting to think people shouldn’t judge National Teams as they would a club. That tiki-taka Spain grinder out several 1-0 wins and could be boring to watch because of their horizontal passing.
You know what's crazy....going into the 2010 WC we were basically begging for mids because we thought Castro and Torrado would be staring and getting shit on. Now we have some solid players across the age/experience spectrum and the midfield plays just as shit and disconnected as we did then going into yhe WC lol.
No they weren't. Torrado was alright but Castro only played a half against Uruguay. Juarez was the starter and I think people are getting confused with the Gold Cup 2011, were everybody was complaining about Castro/Torrado and thinking Jesus Zavala was going to be Busquets 2.0 or something. Turns out Mexico never played as well in the Chepo era as that tournament.
Heard a rumor that Osorio is considering naming Salcido as one of the final 23. Salcido will never retire from national team. J/K, settle down