Mexico vs. Panama: 6 Things We Learned

Mexico is one point away from securing a place in the playoff against New Zealand after defeating Panama 2-1 at the Estadio Azteca Friday.

This was El Tri's sole victory on home soil, and it came with goals by Oribe Peralta and a magnificent bicycle kick from Raul Jimenez.

Victor Manuel Vucetich made considerable changes to the lineup, and they worked in the first half. After that, the team went back to its old ways.

With this victory, Vucetich continued the undefeated streak of the managers who have made their debuts with El Tri in the Hexagonal.

Another six coaches have taken over the national team at some point of the World Cup qualifier and have won their first matches.

Let's see what we learned from this crucial game.

Giovani Dos Santos Should Not Be a Starter

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The Villarreal midfielder was never a factor. He may be going through a great moment with his club, but Friday night, he failed to bring that level to the Estadio Azteca.

Giovani dos Santos is very irregular with El Tri. We have seen him at his best, feeding balls and giving depth to the team, but we have also seen him struggle, like Friday.

Mexico's scenario is complicated enough to be at the expense of a player who may or may not perform well.

Javier Hernandez Is out of Shape

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Chicharito may be on Manchester United's payroll, but it has been a while since he has played like he is supposed to do it with Mexico.

Javier Hernandez missed his second consecutive penalty kick—the last one against Japan in the Confederations Cup—and did not pressure the Panamanian defense as much as he should have.

If Chicharito wants to be the starter, he must work harder and prove that he can help the team.

Oribe Peralta Is the Best on El Tri

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There is only one Mexican player who has scored at the Estadio Azteca in this Hexagonal, and it is Oribe Peralta.

El Cepillo is El Tri's top scorer along with Javier Hernandez. Aside from his clear talent to send the ball to the back of the net, he is a true team player.

Peralta runs all over the pitch, has great control and feeds balls to other footballers who have better chances than him.

Raul Jimenez Deserves More Minutes

Raul Jimenez scored an out-of-this-world goal and gave Mexico its first victory at the Estadio Azteca in this Hexagonal.

Jimenez has been going through a great moment in the Liga MX. He has eight goals to his count and sits second in the top-scorers table.

He has continuity with America, where he is an undisputed starter, and it shows on the pitch.

The Defense Is the Weakest Line

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Rafael Marquez is back, but the defense is still a mess. Marquez is a great leader and knows how to organize his teammates, but he cannot work miracles.

Panama’s goal came after Hugo Ayala lost the ball; he practically assisted Luis Tejada.

Miguel Layun and Jorge Torres Nilo were not at their best either.

Vucetich needs to work harder with this line until he is sure that they can cover tightly.

The Team Needs to Work Harder

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The game against Costa Rica will not be a walk in the park. Mexico have to step up and bring their best game.

It is true that in the first 20 minutes El Tri was a different team than the one we saw in the previous eight matches. After that, they were desperate and couldn't control the game.

Mexico gave Panama more chances than they should, and that is why Tejada scored the tying goal.

The victory is the result of a brilliant effort by Raul Jimenez. In all fairness, when Los Canaleros tied, Mexico was struggling, and it felt like they had surrendered.

It is very important to put hierarchy behind. Some of the footballers who play abroad do not play as much as those in the Liga MX. Continuity is key in a process like this.

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