New Zealand vs. Mexico: 6 Things We Learned
Mexico can pack their bags! El Tri defeated New Zealand 4-2 (9-3 on aggregate) to secure their ticket to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Miguel Herrera’s side were always superior to the All Whites and displayed a very dynamic style of play.
Now Mexico must restore their confidence, decide if Herrera will coach the team in the World Cup and pick which players will actually make it to the tournament.
In the meantime, here are six things we learned from the second leg of the playoff.
Oribe Peralta Is Crucial
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The 29-year-old has scored six goals in his last three games—first against Finland, then New Zealand in a two-legged playoff.
Mexico put the ball away seven times in the Hexagonal (10 games). Three of those belonged to Peralta.
No other Mexican has scored as many times as Peralta. He has 11 goals to his count, followed by Javier Hernandez’s seven and Raul Jimenez’s four.
He was the first member of El Tri who scored at the Estadio Azteca during the Hexagonal—in a game against Honduras on September 6.
Is there any doubt that he is instrumental for Mexico?
Carlos Pena Is the Heart of Mexico's Midfield
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Carlos Pena proved yet again how valuable he is in the midfield. The Leon footballer gave a sublime performance that included one assist and one goal.
His creativity has been a key factor in this playoff, different from his performance in the Gold Cup where he was completely absent.
Pena understands when it is possible to make some risky moves and when he has to keep the ball.
Mexico Need to Strengthen the Defense
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El Tri's backbone must work hard. The defense has been shaky throughout the year.
It is true that Rafael Marquez was a great addition to this line because he brings leadership and experience. However, there’s room for improvement.
Francisco Rodriguez has to step up if he wants to keep the starting position. Juan Carlos Valenzuela may not even make it to Brazil. In all fairness, Hector Moreno is better in the center of the box.
Raul Jimenez Has a Long Way to Go
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There is no doubt that Jimenez has a bright future ahead of him. It is also true that tonight he missed three clear goal opportunities. The America striker needs to keep his cool and focus.
Jimenez was not as fast as he had been in previous matches, which takes away the element of surprise he usually has under control.
Miguel Herrera Should Coach Mexico in the World Cup
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Miguel Herrera secured Club America’s first Liga MX title in eight years. He did it in an agonizing match against Cruz Azul that was decided by penalty kicks.
El Piojo has now done it again—this time with the national team. He took over as soon as the Hexagonal finished in the middle of October.
Herrera capped 10 players from Las Aguilas and called up some footballers who were having good seasons in the local league, like Peralta, Pena and Marquez.
Yes, El Tri’s rival was not the strongest, but the team was in a terrible crisis—including just seven goals for in the Hexagonal and only one win at the Estadio Azteca.
With Herrera, Mexico played three games, which resulted in three victories, 12 goals for and five against.
Even though he plans to go back to coach America during the Liguilla (playoffs), he should stay and strengthen this roster with some of the footballers playing abroad.
Mexico's Qualification to the World Cup Is Shameful
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Mexico will be at the 2014 World Cup, but let’s not forget how that happened.
El Tri had four coaches from February to November. They won on home soil in their last game at the Estadio Azteca, they lost for the first time in Mexico City to Honduras, and they reached the playoff only because the United States defeated Panama in the last matchday.
There is little reason to be happy about a 9-3 aggregate win against New Zealand. It is not a matter of pride. The All Whites sit 79th in the FIFA World Rankings, while Mexico are 24th.
El Tri should have qualified automatically, without going to the playoff. It's as simple as that.
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