5 Things for Mexico Fans to Look Forward to in Wake of Draw vs. Brazil
Mexico could have won in the second matchday of Group A but still they managed to snatch one point from the host.
The match confirmed how much Mexico have improved in seven months. Back in November, El Tri were ready to play a two-legged playoff against New Zealand hoping to secure its World Cup ticket.
Miguel Herrera has given this squad a new face and the fans have finally made peace with their beloved national team.
After one of the most epic performances Mexico have ever had, what can El Tri followers look forward to?
A New Contract for Guillermo Ochoa
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Don't expect Guillermo Ochoa to reappear in a Mexican club any time soon. Ochoa is a free agent and his epic performance couldn't have come at a better moment.
Two weeks ago Spanish website Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish) reported that the Mexican had been offered to La Liga heavyweights Barcelona.
Even when he was still playing for Ajaccio, Sky Sports' Andres Garavaglia reported that the Mexican was linked with Liverpool.
Ochoa has been a secure keeper since his days with Club America. He was a stalwart of Ajaccio in the three seasons he spent there.
"146 - Guillermo Ochoa has made 146 saves in 2013, more than any other goalkeeper in the Top 5 European leagues. Tireless. #Opta2013
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) December 26, 2013
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An Epic Game Against Croatia
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Mexico could very well secure their ticket to the round of 16 with a draw against Croatia but make no mistake, El Tri will not play it safe.
If there's something we have learned from this team, it is that they will fight until the end to win any game. They put Brazil in distress, why would they settle for less?
Yes, Croatia have a very talented side with players of the likes of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic but big names have not scared Mexico in the past seven months.
The last match of Group A (June 23) will be one for the annals of history.
Mexico Will Go Head-to-Head with Any Team
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If there were any doubts as to how Mexico were going to play in Brazil 2014, they have all been cleared.
El Tri not only defeated Cameroon, which was probably expected, the players proved they are hungry and want to make history.
It doesn't matter if they have to face the host; they are ready to go head-to-head with any side that comes their way.
This is especially refreshing because Group B, from where their rival in the knockout stage will come, includes Spain, Chile and the Netherlands.
Stealth from Some Players
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Despite Mexico's round performance, Paul Aguilar and Jose Juan Vazquez were booked early in the second half.
This means they will need to be very careful against Croatia because it will be a game with a lot of action in the midfield, where both Mexicans move.
Vazquez needs to be atop because he plays in a crucial position in Miguel Herrera's 5-3-2 system. He has been sharp when it comes to making a link with the attacking zone by feeding balls and finding spaces.
Aguilar has been a driving force through the right flank and he needs to be very intelligent to overcome Croatia's strength without risking being booked again.
Worldwide Praise
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Mexico took Brazil out of their comfort zone and the scoreless draw was widely savored as a victory, mainly because the Verde-Amarela had always defeated El Tri in World Cups.
On paper, the host was going to have a tricky match but not as difficult as it actually was.
So far, Mexico have received great comments on the web. From some of the finest media outlets, like CNN to the Daily Mail, to celebrities such as Radamel Falcao and Oliver Kahn, who said on ZDF public television after the game:
"That was the best goalkeeping performance of the tournament so far."
"Felicitaciones a todos los mexicanos por el gran partido de su selección contra Brasil.
— Radamel Falcao (@FALCAO) June 17, 2014"
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