Thursday, 18 October 07, 11:05 PM
Thats right, for the first time in 40 years Guatemala beat Mexico 3-2 in a rugby style football match in LA. Which was highlighted by poor refing and dirty play. last time the two played Mexico beat Guatemala 5-1 in Mexico for World Cup qualifying.
Hugo decided to field a team of mainly sub-23 players in preparation for the Olympic games, as He did against Colombia, in which Colombia's senior side beat them 1-0. Guatemala in turn fielded its senior side for game.
I was there in person to see this game, I saw Guatemala start off strong and scored the opening goal within 7 minutes.
Mexico finally started playing football and tied the game by a Carlos Vela
shot, which in turn within 10 minutes led to another Mexico goal.
After the Mexican go ahead goal the game started to get dirty, the Guatemalan team resorted to kicks and hard tackles. In turn the Ref failed to control the game and add stability to it. When at
the end of the game you book a hand full of players and sent off 3, and 2 trainers, yup the ref was sleeping on the job.
Hugo sanchez did underestimate the fight of the Guatemalan players, Hugo subbed out Vela and dos Santos at the half which proved to be his greatest mistake, I know hugo cant predicate the future,
he never thought Mexico would be reduced to 8 outfield players. Even thought the Mexican youngsters manged to threaten the guatemalan goal for the remainder of the 15 mins. In which the ref blew a
clear penalty call in the box. that would have most likely tied the game at 3-3. But thats football, the human factor sometimes fails to give the right call.
The game was exciting I enjoyed seeing it. Watching Mexico's future young players play against odds and seeing the potential they have excites me. I know and Anyone who knows a shred about football knows Mexico is raising to be a better team. Nery, Cacho, Andres contributions have improved the machine but it still needs to be tuned and oiled.
To the stupid Guatemalan fans on the web, its 1 win in 40 years, against 8 out fielded players, majority sub-23. Enjoy the victory.
On First Time in 40 Years