Comments on: Mexico’s fluid shape makes them dark horses

By: Big Baller

Big Baller — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:18:18 +0000

Mexico’s system is nothing new, Aguirre actually played in this system as a player in Mexico 86. Granted, they were at home but this system fits the Mexican characteristics extremely well, they were knocked out by Germany in PKs. Had they won, they no doubt would have made history. Side note, had that match been in the Azteca and not in Monterey (now host countries play all games in their den) Mexico might have won. That was a big mistake but I digress.

The big limitation to this system as with any system is you can’t use it effectively if you don’t have Vela, Dos Santos, Barerra, Medina. Mexico are currently blessed with effective attackers, particularly, quick wide players with high work rates that like 1v1 battles.
That was not the case last couple of World Cups.

The big difference with Lavolpe’s system is he lacked the attacking players and therefore had what is commonly referred to in Mexico as “linea de 5″ that uses industrious players with little personality in my opinion, effectively a 5-3-1-1. With an enganche.

Long story short, both systems keep possession very well but Aguirre’s 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 system gives the attackers liberty to attack, and puts the onus on them to get the job done…press, get wide, cut-in, take defenders on… We saw vs. England and vs. Italy sometimes they are up to the task and other times they miss a boatload of goals.

For the record, one overlooked reason for Mexico’s success is the overt riches in defensive midfielders, it could cultural or it could be because clubs prefer to employ minimum 2 at the same time. I can name 10 defensive midfielders worthy of at least being rostered for Mexico. I can’t say the same for strikers though. Lol.

By: Brujita

Brujita — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:18:14 +0000

The pressure will be on the host nation tomorrow and that will suit Aguirre’s very impressive Mexico side to a tee. In my opinion Mexico should start Hernandez up front with Vela and Dos Santos. “Chicharito”, with his movement and penetration, offers a lot more than Blanco or Franco. I predict a comfortable 3-1 win for Mexico.

By: Johno

Johno — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:04:06 +0000

This reminds me very much of PSV from a few years ago. Their formation was very fluid and they played 3 versatile, tactically sound players in Van Bommel, Cocu and Vogel. In attack the holding midfielder would play just as Marquez does as an auxillary centerback, allowing the fullbacks to advance and create overloads all over the pitch.

Much like that PSV side did 2005, I expect to see Mexico punch above their weight and make some waves. Another key may be the form of Guardado off the bench. If he can provide a spark he will improve their ability to present several different types threats to the opposition will be an asset.

By: Defensive Minded

Defensive Minded — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 13:33:37 +0000

In that case Mexico will have huge problems because they struggled to defend corners in both of those games. I made a post about it in my blog http://defensiveminded.wordpress.com/2010/06/06/mexicos-problems-defending-corners/ .

Mexico will not get far in the world cup if they don’t improve their zonal marking system on corners. They are conceding very soft goals in games that they are dominating.

By: cesar calderon

cesar calderon — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 05:03:02 +0000

I think it’s difficult to take the Holland game seriously since Mexico started mostly backup players whose play is not quite the same as the starters. Mexicos true self is the team that played against England and Italy.