This game had grown excessive in expectations. The media was doing there best to put doubt in the Mexican side. Who should start? Why should x player start ahead of y player? People were actually buying into this argument of Peralta vs. Chicharito.
Line up vs line up
The superiority of Mexico in all areas really came through. Chepo already has his team in place, he already has his formula intact. On the other hand the CR team had no pretensions on attacking Mexico directly. They kept numbers behind their half. Even opting for a precautious line of 5.
This way they would not be susceptible to Mexico’s potent counter attacking play. When CR had possesion they would spread their forwards and push. This could open up avenues for Bolanos. This is why he looked as dangerous as he did. The lack of mobility from Zavala also weakened Mex. defensive block.
CR would attack the wings and always set up an aerial attack, Mexico’s weakness. That was their plan. Mex. took notice and began to press around the half line. They also started to maintain possession for periods of time. CR would not attack. They had certain fear of the counter for most of the game. So much they started getting aggressive with Mex. attacking players. Fouling Peralta 9 times in the first half. They gave them so much attention this allowed others to the join attack, like Torres and Salcido.
Peralta, Mexico’s Best Striker
Oribe is just an outstanding player. He looks like he’s on another level when you watch him. The workrate, confidence, and huevos he puts in his game is amazng. More amazing is that no european club bought him. He is eveything you want in a striker. When Mex could not find spaces, he would drop off to the half and start the play. CR had to foul him the entire game, he would not quit. He unlike Chicharo can hold the ball let people get open and play it off. He is the complete package.
Second Half, Game Defined.
Just minutes after the half, Mexico goes up 2-0. CR still keeping more numbers on the defensive side and paying for it. Mexico were now domintating possesion and now Zavala’s position was justified. Where in the first half he would be the invisible man. Now he was marking, and pressing important spaces with salcido. CR gave up mentally after the 2-0. Changes were made but Mexico kept the ball and kept it moving. Other than that it was an average game by Chicharo and Aquino.
Mexico could have had a brighter game with a more attacking midfielder option than Zavala, who just wreaks of Busquets.
There were 2 clear gol chances for Chicharo, just how he likes them, he should have burried, but didn’t. Chicharo has turned into a niche player.
Childish performance by Aquino. Losing the ball, not making runs on time.
Torres Nilo didn’t get the ball enough. He made plenty of runs and opened up space for a mid to join, but he didn’t.
I thought the CR keeper was awful. The worst in concacaf. He should have blocked both goals.