After the dissappointing performance of Mexico in Copa America, I took a small break from commenting.  Now with the opening of the Spanish and English leagues, I will make a triumphant come back with Man U and Real Madrid.  Man U got off to a slow, slow start.  With Rooney injured and Ronaldo out on a red card, look forward to seeing Tevez (and hoefully Solskjaer) step up and play.  The midfield looks good specially after Haregreaves clicks in.  The defense is solid with Vidic and Ferdinand, but we need help on the sides.  I like Evra for a great season.  As for Real, honestly, I don't know.  In the first leg against Sevilla, Madrid looked flat and with no idea.  In the second game the looked a little better  and for a moment, I thought they would tie an win the game.  But, Sevilla was solid and outplayed Madrid for a just victory.  I was really looking forward to today's Madrid match, but that stupid blackout didn't let us.  I know Madrid won 2-1 but I read they were behind, and did not look cosistent.  There is talent, but I'm not sure Shuster is the right manager.   We'll see, arriva Madrid!

(I am also going to keep a good eye on Depor, since they have Andres now playing for them.  I think Guardado will complement Tamudo perfectly and I look to see Depor have a good season. )

BUT!! Keep a close eye on Munchen.  I watch them play today and they look like the team to beat in the Champions' League.  Ribery, Toni (possible injured), and Klose are great additions to the team and will take it far...

 

Okay, so I wanted to take some time to cool off and chill before I wrote anything on Mexico - Argentina.  I also read a few blogs to gauge what people are saying, and so after all here is what I think:

 

Mexico Played a fairly good game in the first 20 minutes.  We kept the ball mostly from the midfield forward, and the defense held up good.  Our problem is controlling the ball.  You began to see the midfield force some passes but receivers could not keep the ball close to their feet.  Pardo could have helped in there but then again, he is also old and he may have been neutralized by Cambiasso just as he did with the rest of the Mexican midfield.  But despite what others think, I think we could have played Argentina better and force the tie (although we all know that Mexico would have also lost in penalties)  But I disagree with those that think Mexico is still below South American level.  We played a game against Brasil and although it wasn't a great display of technique, we got the job done.  I also think that if Oswaldo would have not fucked up on that free kick, Mexico would have played a different game.  Granted our offense is not the best, and we are dependent upon Neri, I still think our defense is solid, with Magallon and Marquez.  Castro does well also.  The midfield needs a brain or conductor with technique and accuracy, (and Torrado will not do).  Guardado is a fighter but Arce sometimes tries too hard.  And forwards?  Neri looks good but if he is neutralized (like Argentina did) we need someone to step up.  Cuau, Bofo and Borgetti should not be called again.  Instead, we should look into the young "Cantera" to test players (like Vela, Dos Santos)who can make a difference up front.  Mexico needs to break the mold and be innovative and dynamic in selecting players with a different mentality that want to represent our beautiful country! 

Congrats to all Argentinians on a good display of futbol.  As for Uruguay, I think we will see a Mexico team with something to prove...

I am very happy to know that our own Andres Guardado is heading for Deportivo La Coruna.. The transaction took place today and the figure is around 7 million Euros.  I am happy to see Mexican talent leave for other leagues in Europe, this can only help the players develop far better, and make our team better...Good luck Andres!

In other things, my prayer were not answered after all. ESMAS reported that Neri is suffering from an inflamation on his left knee.  These usually heal in seven days or ..WE DONT HAVE SEVEN DAYS!!! Hugo will wait till a few hours before making a decision that may change the outcome of the game...I'm still with MEXICO till the end!! I hope everyone WEARS the shirt tomorrow and step up of they are needed!!

 

Vamos Mexico!!

I'm sure you all watched fabtastic game between Brasil and Uruguay today!! Wow! Whatta game! I could noy have asked for a better semi than this one! (although I know tomorrow's will be better!!) BUT!! It makes no sense to me for Recoba to be substituted at halftime!! The commentators said there was no injury so it makes no sense for your best man (so far) to be substituted when he is the one fueling your offense!! Uruguay died down at halftime and their offense was sporadic.  Everyone though at some point of penalties, so it makes no sense to take out a player who can tip the balance on your favor if you go to penalties.  So, although I congratulate all of my fellow brasilians, IT MAKES NO SENSE why Uruguay didn't win the game!

I don't want to scare anyone, but there are some bad news for Mexico prior to their next match against Argentina.  Watch out for news on Neri Castillo, because although he was on the post game news conference, one Mexican medic disclosed the scheduled examinations to Neri after his injury.  There are reported rumors that NEri has an hyperextension in one of his knees.  As I said before, without Neri, there is no Mexican offense.  Remember, we are playing Argentina!! Milito and Heinze are having a good tourney, and without Neri our offense will be toooooooo slow (with Bofo or Cuau) to even tickle the Argentine wall.

 

My fellow Mexicans. join me on a loooong prayer for Neri's speedy recovery.  (Dear Baby Jesus: I'm willing to give up cursing too, if it helps)

Asi si, senor!! Mexico's performance today was (on a scale of 1-10) a solid 8.  Yes, I am considering that Paraguay played the whole game with one less, but I have to give credit to Mexico for "capitalizing" on the opportunities we had.  Our defense was solid, although there were a couple of plays in which Mexico was careless with the ball.  The midfield did their job, with Torrado scoring one.  And of course Castillo did his job, with Cuau and Bravo pitching in.  Overall a good performance, but Mexico has to be cautious with Argentina (yes, I'm predicting the match already), they are a much better team with a huge international bankroll.  I am also concerned with Neri and that pulled muscle, (not an official dianostic, but my personal one) we have to remember those injuries are tough to overcome in a short period of time.  If he does not recover, the responsibility will lie on Cuau, Bofo or Bravo. (And you know I prefer Bravo, if you have read my previous blogs)  This will pose a speed problem for Mexico since they will be facing a flying defense.  I tell you what: If Neri plays, Mexico wins 2-1, without Neri, Mexico loses 2-0.

Please, if you post comments, refrain from profanity, keep it clean, as FUTBOL should be... I welcome your thoughts.

I'll tell you what the meaning of "insulting" is.

 

Insulting is to sit in front of a TV for an hour and a half watching your team be mediocre. Having Cuau and Bofo in the national team shows you the poor mentality of Mexican soccer. Having so much talent, Mexico opts for these two players who are past their prime and slow as ****. Today was a clear display of how slow and mediocre the team can turn if we continue to play inadequate players. What is more sad is that Mexico has never classified to the next round in first place. Now we depend on others to break that streak...

 

Mexico needs players who are willing to wear the colors and play hard every game...

Malinchista is a mexican term for people that rather see their countries do bad insome aspect.  Fudge to all of the malinchistas that think Mexico should lose to Ecuador to avoid playing against Argentina!! Mas put... I thought the point of a cup is to play the best teams not to strategize the tournament to get the trophy. This is futbol my peeps!!! It aint about  the dammed trophy, it is to show that your country kicks ass at the best sport by playing and beating all the best teams.  With this said, I hope Hugo has the pelotas to go after a victory.... come on Hugo, make me a believer!!!!!!!

 

By the way, I call a 3-1 on this game... viva el Tri! 

Copa America

Whatta Tourney!! All games have been off the hook!  Best part of it is that there have been no ganes without goals!  I like Mexico's chance of taking it all the way.  I think that having Castillo and Bravo on top makes us a faster team.  I like the changes Hugo's made, although I think we need a little more control in the midfield.  As for the other teams, I think Argentina can also take it to the end.  They have tons of potential and talent, and they are startin to look convincing.  Aside from those two, Paraguay has to be the next contender.  They have been scoring and although they look ugly on the field, they are scoring goals. And Brasil??? Mhe! I don't think they'll pass the next round.  They are not playing well, and without Kaka, they suck more than a baby sucks their thumb.  Arriba Mexico!

 

Que Copa!!! Todos los partidos han estado poca madre!! La mejor parte es que no han habido partidos sin goles!! Me gusta la oportunidad que tiene Mexico de ganar.  Sin ser malinchista, me gusta Neri en la delantera acompanado de quien sea.  Eso si, tiene que pasar la bola un poco mas y dejar de bailar tanto...Pero me gusta la propocision de Hugo aunque nos hace falta un poco mas de control en el medio campo y un orquestador que le de la bola a Neri en el area.  En cuanto a los otros equipos, yo pienso que Argentina esta fuertisimo, y lo han demostrado con goles.  Tienen un chingo de talento e individualidad.  Mi ultima candidato a la copa, Paraguay.  No creo que juegen asi padrisimo, pero meten goles.  Y Brasil??? En las nubes wey! No creo que pasen de la siguiente ronda, y sin Kaka valen para pura...