Mexican football team say farewell to Mexico

The Mexican football team bid farewell to the nation Sunday by defeating a weakened Chile side 1-0 in the Estadio Azteca.

On Tuesday the squad travel to Europe where they will play England, Holland, Gambia and Italy before making their way to South Africa to take part in the opening game on June 11 in arguably sport’s biggest event – the football World Cup.

The players’ families came on the field to be with the players after the game and some emotional scenes were captured by TV cameramen. Many of the families won’t see the players until after the World Cup.

The game itself was lacklustre and combined with the three recent friendlies played in the United States, gives coach Javier Aguirre a lot to think about.
Mexico dominated with Francisco “el Maza” Rodriguez playing very well on his return to the team. Andres Guardado again showed himself to be the Mexican man to watch for the World Cup. The Deportivo La Coruña man outshone Manchester United’s new signing Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who looked like he was trying a little too hard to impress.
Chicharito’s granddad, who also played in a World Cup, said his grandson needs good performances in South Africa to use as a springboard for his career at Manchester United.

Alberto “Venado” Medina got the goal for Mexico on 13 minutes with an excellent finish using the outside of his left foot. Medina plays well in glimpses but has lacked consistency over the last few games.

When Guadalajara Chivas forward Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista came on, he was booed everytime he touched the ball. Having played poorly in recent games, the crowd in the home of Chivas’ archrivals America gave Bofo no mercy. It was actually quite sad to see him fielding questions about the booing after the game, baby daughter in his arms. He missed a sitter in the 90th minute, but blaming Mexico’s problems on Bofo helps nobody.

The Mexican goalkeeping dilemma seems to have now been decided and it now looks likely Guillermo Ochoa will be selected when Mexico meet South Africa, barring any major mistakes. Ochoa was far from convincing in the Azteca against Chile but missing eight or nine of their first eleven, the South Americans didn’t mount too much of a threat.

With the goodbyes done and dusted and a tear or two shed here and there, the real work for Mexico starts from here on in when they get to Europe. Rafa Marquez, Giovanni Dos Santos and Guillermo Franco will boost their ranks as it becomes time to stop tinkering and get down to business.