Mexico vs. Venezuela: 10 Things We Learned from International Friendly

Mexico played 16 matches in 2011, it was a very successful year for José Manuel de la Torre and his team. The best thing is that good results continue.

El Tri started 2012 with a victory over Venezuela. Both squads have played 10 times, but La Vinotinto has never defeated Mexico, and has only managed to tie twice.

After their latest match, which was Mexico's 8th victory (3-1), here are some things we learned.

Carlos Salcido Still Makes a Difference

He debuted with El Tri in 2004 and ever since, Carlos Salcido has played 96 times and scored seven goals, including one last week.

Salcido, along with Israel Castro, was the oldest player capped for the match and he proved that age was an advantage. His experience helped him tie the match at minute 68 and became the creative player of El Tri.

Oribe Peralta Has a Lot to Give

Known as El Cepillo (The Brush), Oribe Peralta is a 28 year old who plays for Mexican club Santos Laguna.

His performance against Venezuela was very good and scored El Tri's third goal with an impressive left-footed shot from outside the goal area.

He has only played 11 times with Mexico's national team, but he has proven his efficiency.

He was the top scorer of the 2011 Pan American Games and has become a regular for the national team.

Rafael Márquez Lugo's Maturity

Rafel Márquez Lugo has been a cornerstone of Monarcas Morelia, a club where has played in two periods: 2004-2007 and 2010-present. He has scored 55 times with the team.

Despite his success in the local league, he has only been capped 12 times with El Tri; his first goal came, precisely, against Venezuela.

For the very first time, Márquez Lugo has been consistent both with his club and the national team, which shows his maturity as a player.

José Manuel De La Torre Was the Right Choice

When Javier Aguirre failed to qualify Mexico to the quarterfinals at the 2010 World Cup, the Mexican Football Federation started to look for a coach.

José Manuel Chepo de la Torre was the chosen one and he has proven to be the right choice. After 16 matches he has only lost once, against Brazil.

The team he capped for the Venezuela game was full of youngsters and even when fans and media criticized the list, Chepo's experience prevailed and his squad solved the game.

Youngsters Are Poised to Earn a Spot

De la Torre's list was full of young players who want to earn a spot in the first team, but it won't be easy, with Javier Hernández, Giovani Dos Santos, Pablo Barrera and Efraín Juárez rising as Mexico's future superstars.

The game against Venezuela gave us an idea of how some of those young talents are working hard towards making it happen.

Javier Cortés is one of them, he's becoming stronger and faster, and is a very intelligent forward who knows how to cross and compromise the rival's area.

Marco Fabián Needs to Step Up

After a six-month suspension, due to indiscipline, Marco Fabián reappeared with El Tri.

The expectations were high, since he's become one of Chivas de Guadalajara's cornerstones (he has scored 21 goals in the last three seasons).

Unfortunately, Fabián didn't make a difference and disappointed media and fans, yet again.

The Olympic Squad Is Almost Settled

One of the purposes of having so many youngsters in the list was to have an idea of which of them can make it to the squad that will try to qualify for London 2012.

The team struggled to score in the first half, despite having several goal opportunities. At the end, some of them shined and helped the squad to accomplish the feat.

Edgar Aquino is a clear example of the above; he assisted Marco Fabián, whose shot bounced in the Venezuelan goalie; but Márquez Lugo managed to convert.

Throughout the match, the 21 year old ran and completed some clever passes.

There's Room for Improvement

The fact that the squad was made up of young players gives El Tri room for improvement.

Perhaps the things that need to be considered the most are: fair play, three Mexicans received yellow cards, and defense. La Vinotinto scored because El Tri's defense wasn't solid and José Corona can't get everything done.

Mexico Needs to Face More Challenging Teams

It's true that Mexico's performance was good if you think that it was a squad with new players. Nonetheless, it's important to face more experienced teams and that truly become a challenge.

According to FIFA, Venezuela is ranked 8th in CONMEBOL and 41 overall, while Mexico leads CONCACAF and sits in 21.

Venezuela Needs to Improve Soon

Venezuela lost to the United States' national team four days prior to their match with Mexico. This means two consecutive defeats in a process which purpose is to prepare for the 2014 World Cup Qualification.

La Vinotinto has never qualified to a World Cup and if they want to make history in Brazil, they need to become a better team.

Organization is the key, Venezuelans lose the ball easily and take a long time to recover it; the defense needs to work harder, while the offense must take advantage of the few goal opportunities they produce.