Mexican giants America have to win by two clear goals against Santos to proceed to the final of the Mexican playoffs and Pumas have to beat Monterrey.
For many it was the dream final: America v Pumas. A final that could put new impetus into Mexican soccer, that would see two of the biggest teams in the land lock horns. Sponsors and television companies licked their lips at the prospect of the bitter Mexico City rivals making it to the finals.
Following the Thursday night games when both teams played at home, both face a monumental struggle to make the dream final come true.
America, in front of a pitiful crowd at the Estadio Azteca, lost 2-1 to Santos thanks to a late Christian Benitez screamer. Although America gave as good as they got and a tie may have been a fairer result, the class of Benitez snatched it for Santos. The nouveau riche team from Mexico’s north now consistently in compete in the last stages of the liguilla. Both teams are rumored to pay the highest salaries in the Mexican game but it is Santos that have molded the better team.
In Torreon on Sunday, America need to win by two clear goals. It might be good for television figures if America go through but Santos won’t care about that. They want to get their hands on the trophy that was denied them by an epic penalty shootout against Toluca in the final last season.
Players to watch:
Christian Benitez (Santos): Already has 15 goals to his name this season at a ratio of over a goal per game. Enough said.
Daniel “Rolfi” Montenegro (America): Just coming back from injury much of America’s positive play comes through the Argentine. Playing just off the front man, if America are to turn the 2-1 scoreline around, Rolfi will surely be at the heart of it.
Pumas v Monterrey
Pumas will have to beat Monterrey on Sunday night if they are to make the final following a 0-0 draw in the Estadio Olimpico on Thursday.
On paper it is a difficult assignment, but there are reasons Pumas can go into the game with confidence. Monterrey have gone five games without a victory and have conceded ten goals in their last three at home. Their defense looked good against in the 0-0 draw on Thursday but when they are forced to come out a little, cracks may appear. Pumas also can point to their victory over Cruz Azul as evidence that anything is possible.
With Humberto Suazo and Aldo De Nigris is scintillating form upfront, Monterrey are a frightening attacking force though. The bottom line remains that Pumas face a difficult task in what will be a hostile environment.
Players to watch:
Humberto Suazo (Monterrey): Exceptionally lively striker in and around the box, the Chilean will be looking to add to his season’s goal tally of 11.
Francisco Palencia (Pumas): Pumas’ creative inspiration, the long-haired 37-year-old will be looking to roll back the years to unlock the Monterrey defense.
Saturday 27 November 2010
Mexico prioritize Copa de Oro over Copa America
Mexico will send a weakened team to the Copa America 2011 following an agreement between the Mexico Soccer Federation (FMF) and CONMEBOL.
Rumors were rife earlier in the week that Mexico may not be invited to future Copa America tournaments if they send a weakened squad this year.
Speaking on his return from the draw for the group stages of the Copa Santander Libertadores 2011, President of the FMF Justin Compean said the rumor was in no way true.
“We are 100-percent confirmed to continue participating,” Compean told the Mexican press.
An agreement was struck to allow Mexico to send a squad made up largely of Under-22s with five additional senior players to the Copa America. The new Mexican coach Jose Manuel de la Torre will not take charge of the team for the tournament, perhaps a consequence of the sacking of Hugo Sanchez after his young side’s poor showing in the Olympics in Bejing.
Since 1993, Mexico has taken one of the two spots in the Copa America given over to invited countries from outside the South American region. This year, the Copa de Oro, the regional tournament for CONCACAF teams, is in June, the final taking place just one week before the Copa America kicks off, posing a logistical problem for Mexico.
Mexico, with strong encouragement from CONCACAF, sees the Copa de Oro as a much more realistic way of getting into the Confederations Cup in 2013 in Brazil.
Many in Mexico remain unhappy that their best players won’t be around to compete with some of the best teams in world soccer in the the Copa America, considered the international game’s second or third most prestigious competition.
Rumors were rife earlier in the week that Mexico may not be invited to future Copa America tournaments if they send a weakened squad this year.
Speaking on his return from the draw for the group stages of the Copa Santander Libertadores 2011, President of the FMF Justin Compean said the rumor was in no way true.
“We are 100-percent confirmed to continue participating,” Compean told the Mexican press.
An agreement was struck to allow Mexico to send a squad made up largely of Under-22s with five additional senior players to the Copa America. The new Mexican coach Jose Manuel de la Torre will not take charge of the team for the tournament, perhaps a consequence of the sacking of Hugo Sanchez after his young side’s poor showing in the Olympics in Bejing.
Since 1993, Mexico has taken one of the two spots in the Copa America given over to invited countries from outside the South American region. This year, the Copa de Oro, the regional tournament for CONCACAF teams, is in June, the final taking place just one week before the Copa America kicks off, posing a logistical problem for Mexico.
Mexico, with strong encouragement from CONCACAF, sees the Copa de Oro as a much more realistic way of getting into the Confederations Cup in 2013 in Brazil.
Many in Mexico remain unhappy that their best players won’t be around to compete with some of the best teams in world soccer in the the Copa America, considered the international game’s second or third most prestigious competition.
Sunday 21 November 2010
Breathless weekend of Mexican football as favourites fall
The semi-finals of the Mexican playoffs are set in stone after a couple of games that may compete with the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham for “Game of the Weekend” award.
Pumas beat Cruz Azul
Cruz Azul, the best team in Mexico with the most points, most goals scored and least goals, conceded in the general standings, were knocked out of the playoffs in the quarter finals Saturday after losing 3-2 on aggregate to fellow Mexico City side Pumas UNAM.
Holding onto a 2-1 victory from the first leg in Pumas Olimpico Universitario, Cruz Azul were heavy favorites knowing that only a 2 goal or more defeat would see them get knocked out. To put the gargantuan task Pumas had to face into perspective, Cruz Azul won all eight of their home games in the regular season, conceding only three goals.
As can happen with playoff tournaments that are, in effect, knockout cup competitions, teams can have an off day and bang, they’re out.
That’s exactly what happened to Cruz Azul. Pumas snuck a goal within two minutes and suddenly Cruz Azul knew they were in for a fight in front of their own fans. By halftime they’d had a man sent off, were a goal down and had two other players substituted with injuries (including national team midfielder Gerardo Torrado). In the second half, Pumas pressed for the second and came close on a number of occasions. Dropping back with nine men behind the ball, it appeared that Cruz Azul might just hang on. Then more misfortune. The referee called a penalty for Pumas for a handball. It was a decision which could’ve gone either way. To rub salt in Cruz Azul wounds, Juan Cacho stepped up to convert the penalty. Cacho was a product of Cruz Azul’s youth system.
Fair play to Pumas though. They were determined, efficient and made the most of the opposition’s crumbling luck and lack of zip. Scrapping for their place in the playoffs in the last few weeks has obviously done them no harm. They came into the liguilla battle-hardened. Cruz Azul, on the other hand, qualified some weeks ago and perhaps couldn’t find that extra gear in the second half Saturday.
Questions about how just it is that Cruz Azul lost their first home game of the season and were dumped out will be asked. But for non Cruz Azul fans and the game in Mexico, this game was a great example of the playoff system at its best whether you agree with it or not.
America teach “little brother” a few basic lessons
The Aguilas of America soared imperially in the Estadio Azteca on Saturday evening dishing out a masterclass to a San Luis team that defensively were all over the place.
Following a stale 0-0 draw in San Luis in the first leg, America won 4-1 and coach Manuel Lapuente was lapping up the applause on the touchline as the fourth went in. All season the coach has been angered by questions about how defensively minded his America team is. For most teams it wouldn’t matter but this is America and there past tells them they have to not just win, but win well.
Of course, San Luis is owned by the same Televisa television company and suspicions of corruption linger in the press. The theory goes that for gate receipts and general interest in the liguilla it’s more financially rewarding for America to advance and somewhere in the corridors of futbol power shady deals are done to make sure the result goes the right way.
The accusations have to be taken with a pinch of salt though and on the field though it was clear that America were dominant and could be hitting form at the right time. With America’s Argentine midfielder Daniel “Rolfi” Montenegro back and ready for the semi finals, no one will fancy facing them.
Monterrey survive scare to put Pachuca to the sword in epic clash
Played out in 30 degree Centigrade in Monterrey’s Sunday afternoon sun it would’ve been easy to predict a languid affair. What a game this was played out in front of a packed house in Monterrey’s Tecnologico Stadium with the city’s famous Serro de la Silla (Horse Saddle) mountain providing the backdrop.
Chilean Humberto Suazo scored a goal worthy of the setting after slaloming his way through the Pachuca defense and slotting home on 18 minutes. Pachuca needed to win after Thursday’s 1-1 draw in Pachuca and the early goal could’ve killed them.
Pachuca weren’t giving this up though and equalized via the head Colombian Franco Arizala seven minutes later after a fine ball by Argentine Damian Manso. Then, on 36 minutes, Aldo De Nigris tapped in after a fine passing move from Monterrey. Going into halftime at 2-1 to Monterrey, the game appeared all but over.
Pachuca came out and pushed for the goal they needed to tie the game and make Monterrey nervous. They hit the post and they looked dangerous. Then on a rapid counter attack in the 57th minute, Monterrey struck again. Game. Set. Match.
Pachuca had other ideas though and refused to go out ignominiously, continuously pressing for the three goals they needed. Arizala scored on 84 minutes and then again on 89. Monterrey fans were extremely nervous as Pachuca put their giant goalkeeper Miguel Calero upfront to try and win balls pumped into the box for the four minutes of injury time.
In the end, it wasn’t enough but Pachuca leave the Apertura 2010 with their heads held high. It’s worth remembering that if it was a Champions League game, they would’ve progressed on away goals. In the Mexican league it is decided by final position in the general standings.
Monterrey, as we have become accustomed, are an extremely dangerous team. The Suazo/De Nigris striking partnership is looking ominous. Last time the duo really got their scoring act together, Monterrey won the Apertura 2009. With Cruz Azul out the way, they are now favorites to lift the trophy but they’ll need to tighten up the defense. In their last three home games they’ve conceded ten goals.
Santos and Jaguares bore
Like chalk and cheese, the second leg of the Santos v Jaguares series on Sunday was a stale game settled by a last minute penalty for Santos. Requiring a win after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Jaguares pressed but failed to break down the Santos defense. The home fans booed at 0-0 even though their team was set to get through.
Perhaps the highlight of the game was the haircuts of the Jaguares players; multicolored in the style of the cat they are named after.
Semi-finals (times and dates not 100 % confirmed):
Pumas v Monterrey (Wed, Nov 24 @ 9 p.m. in Estadio Olimpico, Mexico City)
America v Santos (Thurs, Nov 25 @ 9 p.m. in Estadio Azteca, Mexico City)
Return legs:
Monterrey v Pumas (Saturday, Nov 27 @ 7 p.m. in Tecnologico, Monterrey)
Santos v America (Sun, Nov 28 @ 6 p.m. in Estadio Corona, Torreon)
Pumas beat Cruz Azul
Cruz Azul, the best team in Mexico with the most points, most goals scored and least goals, conceded in the general standings, were knocked out of the playoffs in the quarter finals Saturday after losing 3-2 on aggregate to fellow Mexico City side Pumas UNAM.
Holding onto a 2-1 victory from the first leg in Pumas Olimpico Universitario, Cruz Azul were heavy favorites knowing that only a 2 goal or more defeat would see them get knocked out. To put the gargantuan task Pumas had to face into perspective, Cruz Azul won all eight of their home games in the regular season, conceding only three goals.
As can happen with playoff tournaments that are, in effect, knockout cup competitions, teams can have an off day and bang, they’re out.
That’s exactly what happened to Cruz Azul. Pumas snuck a goal within two minutes and suddenly Cruz Azul knew they were in for a fight in front of their own fans. By halftime they’d had a man sent off, were a goal down and had two other players substituted with injuries (including national team midfielder Gerardo Torrado). In the second half, Pumas pressed for the second and came close on a number of occasions. Dropping back with nine men behind the ball, it appeared that Cruz Azul might just hang on. Then more misfortune. The referee called a penalty for Pumas for a handball. It was a decision which could’ve gone either way. To rub salt in Cruz Azul wounds, Juan Cacho stepped up to convert the penalty. Cacho was a product of Cruz Azul’s youth system.
Fair play to Pumas though. They were determined, efficient and made the most of the opposition’s crumbling luck and lack of zip. Scrapping for their place in the playoffs in the last few weeks has obviously done them no harm. They came into the liguilla battle-hardened. Cruz Azul, on the other hand, qualified some weeks ago and perhaps couldn’t find that extra gear in the second half Saturday.
Questions about how just it is that Cruz Azul lost their first home game of the season and were dumped out will be asked. But for non Cruz Azul fans and the game in Mexico, this game was a great example of the playoff system at its best whether you agree with it or not.
America teach “little brother” a few basic lessons
The Aguilas of America soared imperially in the Estadio Azteca on Saturday evening dishing out a masterclass to a San Luis team that defensively were all over the place.
Following a stale 0-0 draw in San Luis in the first leg, America won 4-1 and coach Manuel Lapuente was lapping up the applause on the touchline as the fourth went in. All season the coach has been angered by questions about how defensively minded his America team is. For most teams it wouldn’t matter but this is America and there past tells them they have to not just win, but win well.
Of course, San Luis is owned by the same Televisa television company and suspicions of corruption linger in the press. The theory goes that for gate receipts and general interest in the liguilla it’s more financially rewarding for America to advance and somewhere in the corridors of futbol power shady deals are done to make sure the result goes the right way.
The accusations have to be taken with a pinch of salt though and on the field though it was clear that America were dominant and could be hitting form at the right time. With America’s Argentine midfielder Daniel “Rolfi” Montenegro back and ready for the semi finals, no one will fancy facing them.
Monterrey survive scare to put Pachuca to the sword in epic clash
Played out in 30 degree Centigrade in Monterrey’s Sunday afternoon sun it would’ve been easy to predict a languid affair. What a game this was played out in front of a packed house in Monterrey’s Tecnologico Stadium with the city’s famous Serro de la Silla (Horse Saddle) mountain providing the backdrop.
Chilean Humberto Suazo scored a goal worthy of the setting after slaloming his way through the Pachuca defense and slotting home on 18 minutes. Pachuca needed to win after Thursday’s 1-1 draw in Pachuca and the early goal could’ve killed them.
Pachuca weren’t giving this up though and equalized via the head Colombian Franco Arizala seven minutes later after a fine ball by Argentine Damian Manso. Then, on 36 minutes, Aldo De Nigris tapped in after a fine passing move from Monterrey. Going into halftime at 2-1 to Monterrey, the game appeared all but over.
Pachuca came out and pushed for the goal they needed to tie the game and make Monterrey nervous. They hit the post and they looked dangerous. Then on a rapid counter attack in the 57th minute, Monterrey struck again. Game. Set. Match.
Pachuca had other ideas though and refused to go out ignominiously, continuously pressing for the three goals they needed. Arizala scored on 84 minutes and then again on 89. Monterrey fans were extremely nervous as Pachuca put their giant goalkeeper Miguel Calero upfront to try and win balls pumped into the box for the four minutes of injury time.
In the end, it wasn’t enough but Pachuca leave the Apertura 2010 with their heads held high. It’s worth remembering that if it was a Champions League game, they would’ve progressed on away goals. In the Mexican league it is decided by final position in the general standings.
Monterrey, as we have become accustomed, are an extremely dangerous team. The Suazo/De Nigris striking partnership is looking ominous. Last time the duo really got their scoring act together, Monterrey won the Apertura 2009. With Cruz Azul out the way, they are now favorites to lift the trophy but they’ll need to tighten up the defense. In their last three home games they’ve conceded ten goals.
Santos and Jaguares bore
Like chalk and cheese, the second leg of the Santos v Jaguares series on Sunday was a stale game settled by a last minute penalty for Santos. Requiring a win after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Jaguares pressed but failed to break down the Santos defense. The home fans booed at 0-0 even though their team was set to get through.
Perhaps the highlight of the game was the haircuts of the Jaguares players; multicolored in the style of the cat they are named after.
Semi-finals (times and dates not 100 % confirmed):
Pumas v Monterrey (Wed, Nov 24 @ 9 p.m. in Estadio Olimpico, Mexico City)
America v Santos (Thurs, Nov 25 @ 9 p.m. in Estadio Azteca, Mexico City)
Return legs:
Monterrey v Pumas (Saturday, Nov 27 @ 7 p.m. in Tecnologico, Monterrey)
Santos v America (Sun, Nov 28 @ 6 p.m. in Estadio Corona, Torreon)
Friday 19 November 2010
Estadio Jalisco closed for two games
Violent clashes between supporters of Guadalajara soccer team Atlas and the police marred the last weekend of soccer fixtures this year for the city’s teams.
The stadium will be closed for Atlas’ first two games of 2011 and the stadium owners will have to pay a fine of 173,000 pesos to the Mexican Soccer Federation. The fracas ended a dire season for Guadalajara’s soccer teams. Chivas, Atlas and Estudiantes Tecos all failed to reach the playoffs and are under pressure to perform much better in 2011.
The stadium will be closed for Atlas’ first two games of 2011 and the stadium owners will have to pay a fine of 173,000 pesos to the Mexican Soccer Federation. The fracas ended a dire season for Guadalajara’s soccer teams. Chivas, Atlas and Estudiantes Tecos all failed to reach the playoffs and are under pressure to perform much better in 2011.
Tuesday 16 November 2010
Let the liguilla begin
After a fascinating last weekend of games, the preliminaries are over in the Mexican league and the playoffs are about to begin with some fascinating ties in store.
Game of the week:
Cruz Azul (1st in general table) v Pumas (8)
In Mexican Spanish the team backed by a cement company, Cruz Azul, has been chingón. In other words: the big daddy, the main man, indisputably Mexico’s best team in the Apertura 2010. Cruz Azul have emerged as the clear favorites for the title having scored more goals than anyone else, let in less and finished top of the general league.
From goalkeeper Jesus Corona, through the spine of the team with Gerardo Torrado and Chaco Gimenez on to strikers of the quality of Emanuel Villa and Javier Orozco, the squad oozes class. Managed by the vastly experienced and multiple title-winning coach ‘Profe’ Enrique Meza, Cruz Azul are the big favorites against Pumas.
A look back in the history books will give UNAM’s Pumas some reason to hope though. The last four times Cruz Azul finished top of the overall standings (1995-96, Invierno 98, Invierno 2000 and Apertura 2006), they were eliminated by the 8th placed team in the quarter finals. If Pumas can grab something in the first leg at home, they could make the second tie a nervy one for Cruz Azul. Last time the two teams met, Pumas won. In fact, Pumas were excellent at home throughout the season.
Off the back of an emotional, if fortuitous, 1-0 victory against America in the Estadio Azteca to snatch a place in the playoffs at the last minute, Pumas fans will say the momentum might just be with them. And, if Pumas need more stats to boost their confidence against the awesome Cruz Azul, they should remember that they were the last team to finish 8th and win the tournament, in the Apertura 2004.
It should be remembered that this is a Mexico City derby and form coming into the encounter may be thrown out the window. Whatever happens, the atmosphere for both games promises to be electric.
Bottom line despite the stats: it would be a major shock if Cruz Azul aren’t in the semi-finals.
1st leg: Wednesday, November 17 at 9pm (Olimpico Universitario ((Pumas))
2nd leg: Saturday, November 20 at 5 pm (Estadio Azul)
Monterrey (2) v Pachuca (7)
Pachuca will be quietly fancying their chances in this dual. They come into the liguilla (playoffs) off the back of three straight victories. In comparison, Monterrey have lost their last two and are without five of their best players (Luis Pérez, Jonathan Orozco y Severo Meza through suspension and Walter Ayovi and star striker Humberto Suazo to international call ups) for the first leg.
The teams met at the same stage of the playoffs in the Bicentenario 2010 when Pachuca, who finished 8th, knocked out the northern team.
Monterrey smell revenge but Pachuca will be looking for a first leg lead while Monterrey are weakened.
1st leg: Thursday, November 18 at 6pm (Estadio Hidalgo, Pachuca)
2nd leg: Sunday, November 21 at 4 pm (Estadio Tecnológico, Monterrey)
Santos (3) v Jaguares (6)
Santos boast the league’s most prolific goalscorer in Ecuadorian Christian Benitez but he won’t be playing in the first leg as he’s been called up by his country. With other players like Fernando Arce, Daniel Ludueña and Darwin Quintero, Santos still look strong however and are heavy favorites to prevail.
For Jaguares, Jackson Martínez and Ismael Fuentes have both been called up for international duty and miss the first leg.
Jaguares have only lost once at home but with Santos seeking revenge after they lost the Bicentenario 2010 on penalties, the Jaguares of Chiapas face an uphill task.
Thursday, November 18 at 8 pm (Estadio Víctor Manuel Reyna, Tuxtla Gutiérrez)
Sunday, November 21 at 6 pm (Estadio Corona TSM, Torreon)
America (4) v San Luis (5)
Both teams are owned by the same huge Televisa broadcasting company and San Luis are known as America’s “little brother.” Yes, Mexican soccer can be bizarre.
San Luis’ president has already been busy telling the media that he just hopes the referee is fair and doesn’t favor the bigger team. In the last fixture between the two less than a month to go, America won 2-1 but the Gladiadores of San Luis had two goals disallowed, which they felt shouldn’t have been.
Both teams have been neck and neck all season. Expect a tight game.
Wednesday, November 17 at 7 pm (Estadio Alfonso Lastras Ramírez, San Luis Potosi)
Saturday, November 20 at 7 pm (Estadio Azteca, Mexico City)
Game of the week:
Cruz Azul (1st in general table) v Pumas (8)
In Mexican Spanish the team backed by a cement company, Cruz Azul, has been chingón. In other words: the big daddy, the main man, indisputably Mexico’s best team in the Apertura 2010. Cruz Azul have emerged as the clear favorites for the title having scored more goals than anyone else, let in less and finished top of the general league.
From goalkeeper Jesus Corona, through the spine of the team with Gerardo Torrado and Chaco Gimenez on to strikers of the quality of Emanuel Villa and Javier Orozco, the squad oozes class. Managed by the vastly experienced and multiple title-winning coach ‘Profe’ Enrique Meza, Cruz Azul are the big favorites against Pumas.
A look back in the history books will give UNAM’s Pumas some reason to hope though. The last four times Cruz Azul finished top of the overall standings (1995-96, Invierno 98, Invierno 2000 and Apertura 2006), they were eliminated by the 8th placed team in the quarter finals. If Pumas can grab something in the first leg at home, they could make the second tie a nervy one for Cruz Azul. Last time the two teams met, Pumas won. In fact, Pumas were excellent at home throughout the season.
Off the back of an emotional, if fortuitous, 1-0 victory against America in the Estadio Azteca to snatch a place in the playoffs at the last minute, Pumas fans will say the momentum might just be with them. And, if Pumas need more stats to boost their confidence against the awesome Cruz Azul, they should remember that they were the last team to finish 8th and win the tournament, in the Apertura 2004.
It should be remembered that this is a Mexico City derby and form coming into the encounter may be thrown out the window. Whatever happens, the atmosphere for both games promises to be electric.
Bottom line despite the stats: it would be a major shock if Cruz Azul aren’t in the semi-finals.
1st leg: Wednesday, November 17 at 9pm (Olimpico Universitario ((Pumas))
2nd leg: Saturday, November 20 at 5 pm (Estadio Azul)
Monterrey (2) v Pachuca (7)
Pachuca will be quietly fancying their chances in this dual. They come into the liguilla (playoffs) off the back of three straight victories. In comparison, Monterrey have lost their last two and are without five of their best players (Luis Pérez, Jonathan Orozco y Severo Meza through suspension and Walter Ayovi and star striker Humberto Suazo to international call ups) for the first leg.
The teams met at the same stage of the playoffs in the Bicentenario 2010 when Pachuca, who finished 8th, knocked out the northern team.
Monterrey smell revenge but Pachuca will be looking for a first leg lead while Monterrey are weakened.
1st leg: Thursday, November 18 at 6pm (Estadio Hidalgo, Pachuca)
2nd leg: Sunday, November 21 at 4 pm (Estadio Tecnológico, Monterrey)
Santos (3) v Jaguares (6)
Santos boast the league’s most prolific goalscorer in Ecuadorian Christian Benitez but he won’t be playing in the first leg as he’s been called up by his country. With other players like Fernando Arce, Daniel Ludueña and Darwin Quintero, Santos still look strong however and are heavy favorites to prevail.
For Jaguares, Jackson Martínez and Ismael Fuentes have both been called up for international duty and miss the first leg.
Jaguares have only lost once at home but with Santos seeking revenge after they lost the Bicentenario 2010 on penalties, the Jaguares of Chiapas face an uphill task.
Thursday, November 18 at 8 pm (Estadio Víctor Manuel Reyna, Tuxtla Gutiérrez)
Sunday, November 21 at 6 pm (Estadio Corona TSM, Torreon)
America (4) v San Luis (5)
Both teams are owned by the same huge Televisa broadcasting company and San Luis are known as America’s “little brother.” Yes, Mexican soccer can be bizarre.
San Luis’ president has already been busy telling the media that he just hopes the referee is fair and doesn’t favor the bigger team. In the last fixture between the two less than a month to go, America won 2-1 but the Gladiadores of San Luis had two goals disallowed, which they felt shouldn’t have been.
Both teams have been neck and neck all season. Expect a tight game.
Wednesday, November 17 at 7 pm (Estadio Alfonso Lastras Ramírez, San Luis Potosi)
Saturday, November 20 at 7 pm (Estadio Azteca, Mexico City)
Monday 15 November 2010
A lesson for Mexico from the Premier League?
Rumblings of change in the structure of the game always crop up in Mexico, but this week one man came to talk to the federation, clubs and businessmen about potential changes.
Former Chief Executive of the English Premier League Rick Parry has been charged with analyzing the structure of the Mexican league and helping to devise a formula to make it the best in the Americas. Parry was a big influence behind the creation of the Premier League, which brought an influx of cash into the English game and, with it, a big improvement in quality.
Parry was initially cautious about criticizing the current state of Mexican soccer though, indicating, amongst other things, that having two championships a year isn’t necessarily a problem. For Parry, even the fact 20 percent of the teams in the Primera Division are owned by television stations isn’t necessarily a problem. Would TV stations in other countries be allowed to own clubs? When Sky TV tried to buy Manchester United in 1999, the government’s monopolies commission said it would simply be unfair competition for a television company to own the country’s biggest club. For Mexico, substitute Manchester United with Televisa owned America.
In fact, Parry didn’t seem to have a problem with anything in Mexico although he admitted he needed time to get to grips with Mexican soccer before making a final judgement.
Perhaps the biggest stumbling block for Mexican teams (and something Parry should look at) is the lack of an international competition that brings the financial rewards and exposure of the Champions League. The Concacaf Champions League is weak at best with only MLS and Mexican sides really having any quality. Attendances at games are usually poor.
Stimulating a continent wide tournament that includes South, Central and North America may be a logistical nightmare, but would really help Mexico and probably soccer on the whole continent.
twitter.com/mexicoworldcup
Former Chief Executive of the English Premier League Rick Parry has been charged with analyzing the structure of the Mexican league and helping to devise a formula to make it the best in the Americas. Parry was a big influence behind the creation of the Premier League, which brought an influx of cash into the English game and, with it, a big improvement in quality.
Parry was initially cautious about criticizing the current state of Mexican soccer though, indicating, amongst other things, that having two championships a year isn’t necessarily a problem. For Parry, even the fact 20 percent of the teams in the Primera Division are owned by television stations isn’t necessarily a problem. Would TV stations in other countries be allowed to own clubs? When Sky TV tried to buy Manchester United in 1999, the government’s monopolies commission said it would simply be unfair competition for a television company to own the country’s biggest club. For Mexico, substitute Manchester United with Televisa owned America.
In fact, Parry didn’t seem to have a problem with anything in Mexico although he admitted he needed time to get to grips with Mexican soccer before making a final judgement.
Perhaps the biggest stumbling block for Mexican teams (and something Parry should look at) is the lack of an international competition that brings the financial rewards and exposure of the Champions League. The Concacaf Champions League is weak at best with only MLS and Mexican sides really having any quality. Attendances at games are usually poor.
Stimulating a continent wide tournament that includes South, Central and North America may be a logistical nightmare, but would really help Mexico and probably soccer on the whole continent.
twitter.com/mexicoworldcup
Thursday 11 November 2010
D-Day in Mexico
It’s the last weekend of games in the Mexican Primera Division before the playoffs begin. For fans of the teams that don’t make it, a long wait until January when the league starts all over again is in store. With six teams still in the hunt for the three remaining places, it promises to be a topsy-turvy 48 hours.
Game of the week: America v Pumas
Without doubt the biggest game of the weekend takes place in the Estadio Azteca between Mexico City teams America and Pumas on Sunday afternoon. Apart from the intense rivalry the two teams share, Pumas have to win to have a chance of qualifying. If by Sunday night, Pumas need three points to make it through, expect an intense game both on and off the pitch.
Previous games between the two have led to spates of violence between supporters outside the stadium. The Pumas supporters’ group, CU, is known as the wildest in Mexico.
Part of the traditionally anti-establishment UNAM, Latin America’s biggest university, Pumas’ players sing the team’s anthem along with fans, clench-fisted right arms aloft, before each home game. In contrast, America are owned by huge TV corporation Televisa and are very much part of Mexico’s establishment.
There might only be three points up for grabs, but there’s a whole history at work when America play Pumas. Don’t miss it!
Friday, November 12
Necaxa v Pachuca (8:10 p.m.)
Currently sitting in a playoff position thanks to goals scored, Pachuca need a big win to confirm their place. A tie or loss would likely see them heading for an early vacation, but that depends on how Toluca and Pumas fare. Necaxa too will be desperate for three points with relegation next summer a real possibility unless they pick up some serious points between now and then.
Saturday, November 13
Queretaro v Jaguares (5 p.m.)
Queretaro are another team fighting for their place in the Mexican top flight while Jaguares de Chiapas need one point to secure a place in the playoffs. Lose and it could be a nervous-wrenching 24-hours waiting for other results to come in for Jaguares.
Cruz Azul v San Luis Potosi (5 p.m.)
With both teams already in the playoffs it may be a case of taking it easy and resting some players.
Monterrey v Guadalajara Chivas (5 p.m.)
A fixture that would usually stand out between teams from Mexico’s second and third most important city (depending on which you are from). Monterrey are already through to the playoffs while Chivas fans should be praying to the Virgin of Guadalupe: they need a minor miracle and for Pumas, Toluca, Pachuca and Morelia all to lose. Oh, and they need to actually scores goals and beat Monterrey.
Santos v Estudiantes Tecos (7 p.m.)
Representatives from Glasgow Celtic were in Torreon this week to look round the Santos Laguna club with a view to a possible partnership. This game is dead rubber however. Santos already qualified and Estudiantes haven’t and aren’t in danger of relegation.
Atlas v Tigres (8:45 p.m.)
Another Guadalajara v Monterrey affair. A win for Tigres UANL and they book their place in the playoffs. Anything else and they’ll have to rely on other results going in their favor.
Sunday, November 14
Morelia v Puebla (midday)
Morelia, the team from the state of Michoacan, need to win and hope Pumas, Toluca and Pachuca all lose. They sit one point above Chivas however.
Toluca v Atlante (midday)
Current champions Toluca could be out if results don’t go their way this weekend. New Mexico boss Jose Manuel de la Torre will have more time to plan but it’d be a sad way for him to leave after two glorious years in charge of Mexico’s Red Devils and two championships to his name. With what should be an easy win over Atlante they need two of 1/ Pachuca to lose or tie 2/ Pumas to lose or tie and/or 3/ Tigres to lose. Toluca usually sneak into the playoffs though, so don’t bet against them.
America v Pumas (4:30 p.m.)
See above.
A sad fact for Mexico fans: Foreigners have scored 207 goals in the Mexican league this season, Mexicans 140 goals. No Mexican-born player appears in the top 10 goalscorers’ list.
Game of the week: America v Pumas
Without doubt the biggest game of the weekend takes place in the Estadio Azteca between Mexico City teams America and Pumas on Sunday afternoon. Apart from the intense rivalry the two teams share, Pumas have to win to have a chance of qualifying. If by Sunday night, Pumas need three points to make it through, expect an intense game both on and off the pitch.
Previous games between the two have led to spates of violence between supporters outside the stadium. The Pumas supporters’ group, CU, is known as the wildest in Mexico.
Part of the traditionally anti-establishment UNAM, Latin America’s biggest university, Pumas’ players sing the team’s anthem along with fans, clench-fisted right arms aloft, before each home game. In contrast, America are owned by huge TV corporation Televisa and are very much part of Mexico’s establishment.
There might only be three points up for grabs, but there’s a whole history at work when America play Pumas. Don’t miss it!
Friday, November 12
Necaxa v Pachuca (8:10 p.m.)
Currently sitting in a playoff position thanks to goals scored, Pachuca need a big win to confirm their place. A tie or loss would likely see them heading for an early vacation, but that depends on how Toluca and Pumas fare. Necaxa too will be desperate for three points with relegation next summer a real possibility unless they pick up some serious points between now and then.
Saturday, November 13
Queretaro v Jaguares (5 p.m.)
Queretaro are another team fighting for their place in the Mexican top flight while Jaguares de Chiapas need one point to secure a place in the playoffs. Lose and it could be a nervous-wrenching 24-hours waiting for other results to come in for Jaguares.
Cruz Azul v San Luis Potosi (5 p.m.)
With both teams already in the playoffs it may be a case of taking it easy and resting some players.
Monterrey v Guadalajara Chivas (5 p.m.)
A fixture that would usually stand out between teams from Mexico’s second and third most important city (depending on which you are from). Monterrey are already through to the playoffs while Chivas fans should be praying to the Virgin of Guadalupe: they need a minor miracle and for Pumas, Toluca, Pachuca and Morelia all to lose. Oh, and they need to actually scores goals and beat Monterrey.
Santos v Estudiantes Tecos (7 p.m.)
Representatives from Glasgow Celtic were in Torreon this week to look round the Santos Laguna club with a view to a possible partnership. This game is dead rubber however. Santos already qualified and Estudiantes haven’t and aren’t in danger of relegation.
Atlas v Tigres (8:45 p.m.)
Another Guadalajara v Monterrey affair. A win for Tigres UANL and they book their place in the playoffs. Anything else and they’ll have to rely on other results going in their favor.
Sunday, November 14
Morelia v Puebla (midday)
Morelia, the team from the state of Michoacan, need to win and hope Pumas, Toluca and Pachuca all lose. They sit one point above Chivas however.
Toluca v Atlante (midday)
Current champions Toluca could be out if results don’t go their way this weekend. New Mexico boss Jose Manuel de la Torre will have more time to plan but it’d be a sad way for him to leave after two glorious years in charge of Mexico’s Red Devils and two championships to his name. With what should be an easy win over Atlante they need two of 1/ Pachuca to lose or tie 2/ Pumas to lose or tie and/or 3/ Tigres to lose. Toluca usually sneak into the playoffs though, so don’t bet against them.
America v Pumas (4:30 p.m.)
See above.
A sad fact for Mexico fans: Foreigners have scored 207 goals in the Mexican league this season, Mexicans 140 goals. No Mexican-born player appears in the top 10 goalscorers’ list.
Tuesday 9 November 2010
Mexico to experiment with six officials
The president of Concacaf, Jack Warner thanked Mexico for agreeing to implement a pilot scheme to test the effectiveness of having six officials at every Mexican league game starting January.
There will be two additional assistant referees working the lines for every game, meaning Mexico will have a total of 54 officials, or six for every nine games each weekend.
Full details of how it will all work to follow ...
There will be two additional assistant referees working the lines for every game, meaning Mexico will have a total of 54 officials, or six for every nine games each weekend.
Full details of how it will all work to follow ...
Monday 8 November 2010
Chicharito’s derby challenge
It’s official. Javier Hernandez Balcazar has won over United fans the world over. The vote for October’s player of the month proves it, as do the sombreros outside Old Trafford and the amount of fans with “Chicharito” on the back of their shirt.
On Wednesday though, the boy from Guadalajara, Mexico has the chance to bring the mutual love up to another level altogether, especially for United fans born and bred around Manchester.
With Wayne Rooney still out of action and Dimitar Berbatov doubtful for Wednesday’s big game against Manchester City, the job of leading the United line is likely to fall to Chicharito.
Hernandez has played derbies before and the rivalry between former club Chivas and Atlas in his home town is intense. However, it pales in comparison to Wednesday’s game when the eyes of the world will be on Manchester, and Chicharito. A packed house, freezing weather and a level of pure hatred coming from the City fans that he will never have witnessed, the Manchester derby is a further test of Chicharito’s thus far impeccable character.
We’ll see Wednesday how he fares but what better way to put the cherry on the cake of his exceptional start at United than a goal or two to shut up United’s rich neighbours? And how nice it would be for United fans to see the Mexican steal the headlines from Carlitos Tevez, a fellow Latin American that used to be a United favourite and is now City’s leading light.
On Wednesday though, the boy from Guadalajara, Mexico has the chance to bring the mutual love up to another level altogether, especially for United fans born and bred around Manchester.
With Wayne Rooney still out of action and Dimitar Berbatov doubtful for Wednesday’s big game against Manchester City, the job of leading the United line is likely to fall to Chicharito.
Hernandez has played derbies before and the rivalry between former club Chivas and Atlas in his home town is intense. However, it pales in comparison to Wednesday’s game when the eyes of the world will be on Manchester, and Chicharito. A packed house, freezing weather and a level of pure hatred coming from the City fans that he will never have witnessed, the Manchester derby is a further test of Chicharito’s thus far impeccable character.
We’ll see Wednesday how he fares but what better way to put the cherry on the cake of his exceptional start at United than a goal or two to shut up United’s rich neighbours? And how nice it would be for United fans to see the Mexican steal the headlines from Carlitos Tevez, a fellow Latin American that used to be a United favourite and is now City’s leading light.
Hugo Sanchez on Mexican national team
Select quotes from fifa.com:
A few months on from the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, what’s your view on the current state of Mexican football?
We’re still not good enough to harbour hopes of winning a Copa America or a World Cup. Mexico are not yet ready to challenge the dominance of the likes of Brazil or Argentina. We started to show we were capable of going toe-to-toe with them back in 1993, but we haven’t taken the decisive step yet. I think that El Tri’s rightful place is as Las Americas' third-best team. Quite simply, the number of Mexican players at big clubs just doesn’t compare with those countries.
Do you think Mexico are in the process of narrowing that gap?
The results suggest not. I think the players have enough talent, but what often happens in Mexico is that other things are allowed to get in the way and slow the progress of our country’s football. Head coaches should be supported and backing should be given to the players, that’s what really matters. Without that, I think it [narrowing the gap] will be a real struggle. You can’t demand good performances if the set-up isn’t right.
El Tri are set to begin a new era under a new coach, Jose Manuel De La Torre. What needs to happen for this period to be a successful one?
I’ve always said that coaching cycles should be allowed to be brought to completion and that coaches need to be left to get on with the job. What happened to me was that I made the mistake of agreeing to coach the Olympic squad (Sanchez was sacked following Mexico's failure to qualify for Beijing 2008), which meant all the good work we’d been doing with the senior team was undone. The circumstances will be different now, but if people want results then coaches need to be allowed to get on with the job.
What can you tell us about the latest crop of Mexican footballers plying their trade in Europe?
I like their talent and their quality but, and I repeat, I think they need to be protected. They have what it takes to succeed but too much pressure is put on them, too much is expected of them, and they’re criticised too much. They’re very young players and the way they’re treated in our country makes them prefer to stay with their clubs rather than travel to play for the national team.
There are those that say Javier 'El Chicharito' Hernandez is the best striker to come out of Mexico since your good self. Would you agree?
Of course, you just have to look at the team he’s signed for. It’s not just anybody who earns a transfer to Manchester United at that age. I think he’s in the most favourable environment possible but watch out, he shouldn’t be compared to anybody because that’ll burden him with unnecessary responsibilities. Since we’ve not got many players with exceptional talent, we’ve got to look after them.
What advice would you give to these young Europe-based players?
They should be brave and not rest on their laurels. It was already tough for them to leave Mexico and come to Europe but they must understand that you have to maintain that level of effort. You don’t get too many opportunities like that in life and they’ve made the most of theirs, but they shouldn’t lose heart. If they’re patient, the results will come.
How do you think Mexico fared at South Africa 2010?
Well, it went the same as it always does. When I was appointed national-team coach I said that if we wanted to become world champions we needed to work as a team, with players, directors and journalists all pulling in the same direction. But that didn’t happen and there have been countless coaching changes. And while that’s good enough to see us in a mid-table position, between tenth and 20th in the world, I think that if there’d been continuity then we would have done as well as Uruguay did.
Do you feel like Mexico are no longer the dominant force in the CONCACAF region?
Not at all, the statistics are clear and the history books don’t lie. Only when the United States, Costa Rica, Honduras or Guatemala have appeared at more World Cups than Mexico or have historically got better results than we have will I think they’re on the same level. Form comes and goes, but you don’t build up that kind of prestige in a couple of years, not even in ten.
Would you be willing to retake the Mexico reins at some point in the future?
Of course! I could never refuse my country anything. When they need me, I’ll be there.
A few months on from the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, what’s your view on the current state of Mexican football?
We’re still not good enough to harbour hopes of winning a Copa America or a World Cup. Mexico are not yet ready to challenge the dominance of the likes of Brazil or Argentina. We started to show we were capable of going toe-to-toe with them back in 1993, but we haven’t taken the decisive step yet. I think that El Tri’s rightful place is as Las Americas' third-best team. Quite simply, the number of Mexican players at big clubs just doesn’t compare with those countries.
Do you think Mexico are in the process of narrowing that gap?
The results suggest not. I think the players have enough talent, but what often happens in Mexico is that other things are allowed to get in the way and slow the progress of our country’s football. Head coaches should be supported and backing should be given to the players, that’s what really matters. Without that, I think it [narrowing the gap] will be a real struggle. You can’t demand good performances if the set-up isn’t right.
El Tri are set to begin a new era under a new coach, Jose Manuel De La Torre. What needs to happen for this period to be a successful one?
I’ve always said that coaching cycles should be allowed to be brought to completion and that coaches need to be left to get on with the job. What happened to me was that I made the mistake of agreeing to coach the Olympic squad (Sanchez was sacked following Mexico's failure to qualify for Beijing 2008), which meant all the good work we’d been doing with the senior team was undone. The circumstances will be different now, but if people want results then coaches need to be allowed to get on with the job.
What can you tell us about the latest crop of Mexican footballers plying their trade in Europe?
I like their talent and their quality but, and I repeat, I think they need to be protected. They have what it takes to succeed but too much pressure is put on them, too much is expected of them, and they’re criticised too much. They’re very young players and the way they’re treated in our country makes them prefer to stay with their clubs rather than travel to play for the national team.
There are those that say Javier 'El Chicharito' Hernandez is the best striker to come out of Mexico since your good self. Would you agree?
Of course, you just have to look at the team he’s signed for. It’s not just anybody who earns a transfer to Manchester United at that age. I think he’s in the most favourable environment possible but watch out, he shouldn’t be compared to anybody because that’ll burden him with unnecessary responsibilities. Since we’ve not got many players with exceptional talent, we’ve got to look after them.
What advice would you give to these young Europe-based players?
They should be brave and not rest on their laurels. It was already tough for them to leave Mexico and come to Europe but they must understand that you have to maintain that level of effort. You don’t get too many opportunities like that in life and they’ve made the most of theirs, but they shouldn’t lose heart. If they’re patient, the results will come.
How do you think Mexico fared at South Africa 2010?
Well, it went the same as it always does. When I was appointed national-team coach I said that if we wanted to become world champions we needed to work as a team, with players, directors and journalists all pulling in the same direction. But that didn’t happen and there have been countless coaching changes. And while that’s good enough to see us in a mid-table position, between tenth and 20th in the world, I think that if there’d been continuity then we would have done as well as Uruguay did.
Do you feel like Mexico are no longer the dominant force in the CONCACAF region?
Not at all, the statistics are clear and the history books don’t lie. Only when the United States, Costa Rica, Honduras or Guatemala have appeared at more World Cups than Mexico or have historically got better results than we have will I think they’re on the same level. Form comes and goes, but you don’t build up that kind of prestige in a couple of years, not even in ten.
Would you be willing to retake the Mexico reins at some point in the future?
Of course! I could never refuse my country anything. When they need me, I’ll be there.
Mexican league begins to boil
Talk of reverting back to a regular year long league like in Europe is emanating for certain Mexican club directors. The crux of the matter is whether interest in the league can be maintained year round and if clubs’ substantial incomes from television rights would be reduced.
The debate lingers about the justice of a team finishing fourth or fifth in the general league and going on to win the championship but when push comes to shove, the race to get into the postseason playoffs in the Mexican Primera Division brings a certain buzz.
With only two games left, candidates are being whittled down and every point is vital to get into what Mexican commentators call the “big party.”
There’s no doubt on paper which game in the Mexican Primera Division stands out this weekend: Guadalajara Chivas v Cruz Azul.
Although Chivas are the most decorated team in Mexican soccer, it is “born great” Cruz Azul that are the dominant force this season and have scored 32 goals in 15 games while amassing 35 points. In stark contrast, Chivas have only scored 13 goals in their 15 games so far in the Apertura 2010, pointing to a clear flaw in their striking department following the departure of Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez to Manchester United.
If Chivas fail to get the three points, remote dreams of qualification for the playoffs are thrown out the window. The players, coaches and owner Jorge Vergara will face a long winter contemplating how they are to get themselves out of their current rut. However, they may be aided Saturday by suggestions that Cruz Azul, already qualified for the playoffs, may field a weakened team to give crucial players a rest.
Fans at the new Estadio Omnilife are likely to lose out and attendance is likely to be way below the norm for a fixture between two of Mexico’s big clubs.
Apart from Cruz Azul’s prolific attack (Argentines Emanuel Villa and Chaco Gimenez alongside Mexican youngster Javier “Chuletita” in particular), look out for shaven-headed Chivas midfielder Jorge “Chaton” Enrique. Word is that the tall 19-year-old is destined for great things.
Who qualifies?
The Mexican Primera Division is split into three groups. The top two teams in each group go through to the liguilla (playoffs) while the two other teams are made up of the next best-placed teams in the general table.
Who needs what this weekend?
Saturday’s games:
Estudiantes UAG v Toluca (8:10 p.m.)
Estudiantes sit bottom of the general table and have nothing to play for while Toluca are in the thick of the action. A Toluca win could book their ticket (depending on other results) while a tie or defeat leaves them needing a result next weekend against Atlante.
Jaguares de Chiapas v Atlas (5 p.m.)
Four points from the remaining two games and Jaguares progress. Atlas have had a campaign to forget and are looking over their shoulder at possible relegation.
San Luis Potosi v Santos Laguna (5 p.m.)
Santos are already through to the playoffs while SLP need just a point to guarantee their place. Most likely result: 0-0.
Chivas v Cruz Azul (7 p.m.)
The team from Guadalajara need a minor miracle. Three points would be a start while they pray other results go their way. Cruz Azul are sitting pretty having already qualified.
Pachuca v Queretaro (7 p.m.)
Both teams need to win both their remaining games to have a chance. This game is like an early playoff. The loser is effectively eliminated.
Tigres UANL v Morelia (7 p.m.)
One point should be enough to put one of the Tigres’ feet into the liguilla. Morelia have a mathematical chance of qualification but it would be a minor miracle.
Atlante v America (9 p.m.)
America can book their place with a victory while Atlante have little but pride to play for.
Sunday’s games:
Pumas v Necaxa (midday)
Pumas need a victory to retain hope of qualifying while Necaxa, based in Aguascalientes, have no hope at all.
Puebla v Monterrey (midday)
A real dead rubber of a game. Puebla can’t make the playoffs and Monterrey have already made it.
All times are Mexico City based.
Betting tips: Toluca are the reigning champions in Mexico but have failed to recapture their form in the Apertura 2010. Don’t let that put you off them though. Toluca are known for doing what it takes to get into the playoffs where they tend to convert themselves into shrewd knockout competition experts. Players and fans alike will want to give coach Jose Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre a good send off before he takes charge of the national team in January.
The debate lingers about the justice of a team finishing fourth or fifth in the general league and going on to win the championship but when push comes to shove, the race to get into the postseason playoffs in the Mexican Primera Division brings a certain buzz.
With only two games left, candidates are being whittled down and every point is vital to get into what Mexican commentators call the “big party.”
There’s no doubt on paper which game in the Mexican Primera Division stands out this weekend: Guadalajara Chivas v Cruz Azul.
Although Chivas are the most decorated team in Mexican soccer, it is “born great” Cruz Azul that are the dominant force this season and have scored 32 goals in 15 games while amassing 35 points. In stark contrast, Chivas have only scored 13 goals in their 15 games so far in the Apertura 2010, pointing to a clear flaw in their striking department following the departure of Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez to Manchester United.
If Chivas fail to get the three points, remote dreams of qualification for the playoffs are thrown out the window. The players, coaches and owner Jorge Vergara will face a long winter contemplating how they are to get themselves out of their current rut. However, they may be aided Saturday by suggestions that Cruz Azul, already qualified for the playoffs, may field a weakened team to give crucial players a rest.
Fans at the new Estadio Omnilife are likely to lose out and attendance is likely to be way below the norm for a fixture between two of Mexico’s big clubs.
Apart from Cruz Azul’s prolific attack (Argentines Emanuel Villa and Chaco Gimenez alongside Mexican youngster Javier “Chuletita” in particular), look out for shaven-headed Chivas midfielder Jorge “Chaton” Enrique. Word is that the tall 19-year-old is destined for great things.
Who qualifies?
The Mexican Primera Division is split into three groups. The top two teams in each group go through to the liguilla (playoffs) while the two other teams are made up of the next best-placed teams in the general table.
Who needs what this weekend?
Saturday’s games:
Estudiantes UAG v Toluca (8:10 p.m.)
Estudiantes sit bottom of the general table and have nothing to play for while Toluca are in the thick of the action. A Toluca win could book their ticket (depending on other results) while a tie or defeat leaves them needing a result next weekend against Atlante.
Jaguares de Chiapas v Atlas (5 p.m.)
Four points from the remaining two games and Jaguares progress. Atlas have had a campaign to forget and are looking over their shoulder at possible relegation.
San Luis Potosi v Santos Laguna (5 p.m.)
Santos are already through to the playoffs while SLP need just a point to guarantee their place. Most likely result: 0-0.
Chivas v Cruz Azul (7 p.m.)
The team from Guadalajara need a minor miracle. Three points would be a start while they pray other results go their way. Cruz Azul are sitting pretty having already qualified.
Pachuca v Queretaro (7 p.m.)
Both teams need to win both their remaining games to have a chance. This game is like an early playoff. The loser is effectively eliminated.
Tigres UANL v Morelia (7 p.m.)
One point should be enough to put one of the Tigres’ feet into the liguilla. Morelia have a mathematical chance of qualification but it would be a minor miracle.
Atlante v America (9 p.m.)
America can book their place with a victory while Atlante have little but pride to play for.
Sunday’s games:
Pumas v Necaxa (midday)
Pumas need a victory to retain hope of qualifying while Necaxa, based in Aguascalientes, have no hope at all.
Puebla v Monterrey (midday)
A real dead rubber of a game. Puebla can’t make the playoffs and Monterrey have already made it.
All times are Mexico City based.
Betting tips: Toluca are the reigning champions in Mexico but have failed to recapture their form in the Apertura 2010. Don’t let that put you off them though. Toluca are known for doing what it takes to get into the playoffs where they tend to convert themselves into shrewd knockout competition experts. Players and fans alike will want to give coach Jose Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre a good send off before he takes charge of the national team in January.
Time for change at Guadalajara Chivas?
Mexican striker Javier Hernandez has stolen headlines following his match-winning goals against Stoke on Sunday and Wolves on Tuesday but things aren’t so rosy back at his old club Guadalajara Chivas.
Sunday’s “clasico of the clasicos” against bitter capital city rivals America ended 0-0, the second half of which was at times exasperating to watch.
The clash pits the all-Mexican, provincial “people’s club” from second city Guadalajara against Mexico City’s America, whose name alone alludes to intentions of grandeur. America spend big on players, flaunt their wealth and their fans are proud of it. Chivas, thanks to an era of domination called the campeonisimo in the late 1950s and 1960s, lead America eleven to ten in the overall title count but both clubs currently find themselves in a slump.
The Mexican sports press was ferocious in building the game up, suggesting the clubs owed the fans a true classic after recent mediocrity and scandal in the national team.
After 90 minutes, boos rang out and the game only served to highlight how both clubs now have some thinking to do in terms of how they can compete on the pitch, not just commercially, with Mexico’s new elite: Monterrey, Cruz Azul, Toluca, Santos Laguna.
Of the two giants of the Mexican though, it’s Chivas who are very much in flux.
Fans are almost unanimously against club owner Jorge Vergara, who bought the club in 2002 and said he would make it into one of the biggest in the world.
“On paper the project is fine but in practice it’s not that easy,” says Chivas fan Luis from Mexico City before Sunday’s game. “Where’s the money going to come from?”
Chivas fans dancing, singing and drinking in a Mexico City park before making their way to the Azteca hid a shared concern about the future of the club.
“I’ll tell you, none of us like Vergara,” says Carlos of Guadalajara’s Legion 1908 fan group. “You go round the park and ask people what they think of him.”
A major problem for Chivas fans in Guadalajara this year has been the new Omnilife Stadium.
“It’s an amazing stadium, incredible but the prices are too high and we can’t get there easily,” says Jorge, who was one of those to make the trip from Guadalajara to Mexico City on Sunday.
Hardcore fans like Jorge and Carlos go to the new stadium every home game, but thousands have been put off.
The Estadio Omnilife is like a modern European stadium, set on the edge of the city. It is genuinely impressive. The problem is that Mexicans can’t pay Western European costs and most people simply can’t afford to pay the ticket prices plus transport to the stadium and then the food and beer inside the stadium. In comparison to the vast majority of Mexican stadia, there are no independent vendors outside; meaning Vergara has a monopoly on food, booze and merchandise.
Vergara laughs it off and says the stadium has been a success and that it’s the media causing the discontentment, but he would be better looking at the stark facts.
There were swathes of empty seats around the ground when Chivas took on local rivals Atlas a couple of weeks ago and when Pumas came to town it was the same. At the old Estadio Jalisco it was rare if one of the above games didn’t sell out, regardless of the circumstances of the team.
The stadium isn’t the only sign of discontent within Chivas however.
“This year I only brought one bus to the clasico,” says Luis Felipe Martinez, organizer of the Legion 1908 in Guadalajara. “I usually bring three.”
Outside the Azteca on Sunday another supporters’ club was protesting a potential change to the club badge.
As in all sports, a successful team brings fans around and while Chivas are performing like they did on Sunday, discontentment is bound is reign.
Perhaps what is required in the long term is that the club relaxes the rule on not allowing foreign players. Chivas have struggled in recent years in the Mexican league and now rely almost exclusively on talent coming up through the youth team.
The “sacred herd” has won just three titles since the Campeonisimo era ended in the 1960s. Toluca, on the other hand, has won seven titles since 1997.
The template for success in the Mexican league seems to be to have a large base of seven or eight Mexicans complemented with a few foreigners sprinkled in there. The Mexican identity remains while the team can be hugely aided by foreigners who can provide the missing link.
An additional problem for Chivas’ “Mexican only” policy is that it is combined with a policy of selling players that are successful. ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez played exceptionally well for only one year with Chivas before being whisked off, while 19-year-old midfield starlet Jorge Enriquez is being tipped to move in the same direction in the not too distant future.
If Chivas’ best players are sold on, the team naturally loses quality and it becomes difficult to win trophies; the most surefire way of getting supporters back into the stadium.
Most worryingly of all, Chivas fans are already fantasizing about the potential end-of-career return of the already mythical Chicharito. With his goals on Sunday, the wait could seem like an eternity.
Sunday’s “clasico of the clasicos” against bitter capital city rivals America ended 0-0, the second half of which was at times exasperating to watch.
The clash pits the all-Mexican, provincial “people’s club” from second city Guadalajara against Mexico City’s America, whose name alone alludes to intentions of grandeur. America spend big on players, flaunt their wealth and their fans are proud of it. Chivas, thanks to an era of domination called the campeonisimo in the late 1950s and 1960s, lead America eleven to ten in the overall title count but both clubs currently find themselves in a slump.
The Mexican sports press was ferocious in building the game up, suggesting the clubs owed the fans a true classic after recent mediocrity and scandal in the national team.
After 90 minutes, boos rang out and the game only served to highlight how both clubs now have some thinking to do in terms of how they can compete on the pitch, not just commercially, with Mexico’s new elite: Monterrey, Cruz Azul, Toluca, Santos Laguna.
Of the two giants of the Mexican though, it’s Chivas who are very much in flux.
Fans are almost unanimously against club owner Jorge Vergara, who bought the club in 2002 and said he would make it into one of the biggest in the world.
“On paper the project is fine but in practice it’s not that easy,” says Chivas fan Luis from Mexico City before Sunday’s game. “Where’s the money going to come from?”
Chivas fans dancing, singing and drinking in a Mexico City park before making their way to the Azteca hid a shared concern about the future of the club.
“I’ll tell you, none of us like Vergara,” says Carlos of Guadalajara’s Legion 1908 fan group. “You go round the park and ask people what they think of him.”
A major problem for Chivas fans in Guadalajara this year has been the new Omnilife Stadium.
“It’s an amazing stadium, incredible but the prices are too high and we can’t get there easily,” says Jorge, who was one of those to make the trip from Guadalajara to Mexico City on Sunday.
Hardcore fans like Jorge and Carlos go to the new stadium every home game, but thousands have been put off.
The Estadio Omnilife is like a modern European stadium, set on the edge of the city. It is genuinely impressive. The problem is that Mexicans can’t pay Western European costs and most people simply can’t afford to pay the ticket prices plus transport to the stadium and then the food and beer inside the stadium. In comparison to the vast majority of Mexican stadia, there are no independent vendors outside; meaning Vergara has a monopoly on food, booze and merchandise.
Vergara laughs it off and says the stadium has been a success and that it’s the media causing the discontentment, but he would be better looking at the stark facts.
There were swathes of empty seats around the ground when Chivas took on local rivals Atlas a couple of weeks ago and when Pumas came to town it was the same. At the old Estadio Jalisco it was rare if one of the above games didn’t sell out, regardless of the circumstances of the team.
The stadium isn’t the only sign of discontent within Chivas however.
“This year I only brought one bus to the clasico,” says Luis Felipe Martinez, organizer of the Legion 1908 in Guadalajara. “I usually bring three.”
Outside the Azteca on Sunday another supporters’ club was protesting a potential change to the club badge.
As in all sports, a successful team brings fans around and while Chivas are performing like they did on Sunday, discontentment is bound is reign.
Perhaps what is required in the long term is that the club relaxes the rule on not allowing foreign players. Chivas have struggled in recent years in the Mexican league and now rely almost exclusively on talent coming up through the youth team.
The “sacred herd” has won just three titles since the Campeonisimo era ended in the 1960s. Toluca, on the other hand, has won seven titles since 1997.
The template for success in the Mexican league seems to be to have a large base of seven or eight Mexicans complemented with a few foreigners sprinkled in there. The Mexican identity remains while the team can be hugely aided by foreigners who can provide the missing link.
An additional problem for Chivas’ “Mexican only” policy is that it is combined with a policy of selling players that are successful. ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez played exceptionally well for only one year with Chivas before being whisked off, while 19-year-old midfield starlet Jorge Enriquez is being tipped to move in the same direction in the not too distant future.
If Chivas’ best players are sold on, the team naturally loses quality and it becomes difficult to win trophies; the most surefire way of getting supporters back into the stadium.
Most worryingly of all, Chivas fans are already fantasizing about the potential end-of-career return of the already mythical Chicharito. With his goals on Sunday, the wait could seem like an eternity.
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