Mexico 5 -1 Gambia - Goals, not sandwiches

On billboards, in TV adverts, in the newspaper and on the radio. Various prominent members of the Mexico squad have been encouraging Mexicans to "make sandwiches" in a marketing blitz by bread manufacturer Bimbo (see video below).

After a dry patch in front of goal that saw Mexico score just five in the last six friendlies against mainly inferior opposition, a group was started on Facebook which now has almost 100,000 members. The message: Make goals, not sandwiches pendejos!

Against a Gambia team ranked 93 in the world, Mexico finally did that; Chicharito buttering the bread (twice), 'Bofo' Bautista adding two fillings and Alberto 'Venado' Medina cutting it into little pieces like your mum used to.

(Apologises for the sandwich analogy)

Worringly, Gambia's goal came from a corner and Mexico still look vulnerable defending balls hoisted into the box.

Aside from a couple of nasty challenges by the Gambians (??), it was a stroll in the park for Mexico, with Gambia only showing glimpses of quality.

Luis Michel was given the nod in goal and did what he had to do competently. Against South Africa in the opening game of the World Cup, most Mexican pundits are saying it is a straight race between the other challengers for the no. 1 jersey: Guillermo Ochoa and the experienced Oscar 'Conejo' Perez.

Jonathan Dos Santos was given his chance to impress in midfield but was largely anonymous and he now becomes one of the favourites to be sent home (Mexico has 24 players currently in the squad and one still has to be axed).

The position of Rafa Marquez still seems to be up in the air for coach Javier Aguirre who alternated him today between a defensive midfield and centre back role.

Indeed the Mexican formation is still to be set in stone, with Aguirre flirting with the idea of playing three at the back.

Chicharito, who got his British work permit approved ahead of his move to Manchester United this week, played well, looked sharp and scored two poacher's goals. 'The little pea' seems to be gaining confidence at the right time before South Africa.

Arsenal's Carlos Vela, who one opinion piece writer berated for smiling when he fails to score, again failed to score despite a handful of half-chances. And he smiled.

Mexico did what was expected in the end despite blowing a few opportunities in front of goal.

The Facebookers and Twitterers may well be a little bit quieter in the next few days, at least until Mexico play Italy on Thursday.

The BIMBO bread advert can be seen here: http://bit.ly/9Zm9oV - don't know why it won't upload.