Previewing Mexico vs. Bolivia: Replacing Marquez the Libero a Concern for El Tri

Mexico and Bolivia will meet at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, on Tuesday evening in another international friendly filled with "what ifs" and connotations.

El Tri played to an impressive 0-0 draw with Chile last week, so they're on the front foot despite a weakened squad. Bolivia, on the other hand, were thrashed 4-0 at the hands of Ecuador on Friday, signalling more concern over the quality available to coach Xabier Azkargorta.

Mexico Setup

Per Tom Marshall over at Sporting News, Miguel Herrera has already named his starting XI for the clash.

The 3-5-2 base system will remain as ever, but the spots will be filled with rotational/depth players who should be looking to make a statement. Herrera implied as much in his own preview of the game, per SoccerNews.com.

"From what I saw [against Chile], whoever plays [when they face Bolivia] must demonstrate at least what was done today," he told reporters. "An intensity that way, ball handling, concentration, I think today the team showed very good stuff, all the players have to play in this way, at this level, pace, intensity, if we do so surely will draw positive results."

Projected XI: Moises Munoz; Hiram Mier, Hugo Ayala, Luis Venegas; Rodolfo Pizarro, Miguel Layun; Antonio Rios, Javier Aquino, Marco Fabian; Erick Torres, Javier Orozco.

Juan Karita/Associated Press

Bolivia Setup

Bolivia's last victory came against Haiti in February 2013—a stark, worrying indication of where the national setup is at this moment in time.

They finished tied for last in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2014, bettering Paraguay by just one goal and really only secured points at home in La Paz.

The atmospheric conditions play a part here—La Paz is 3,650 meters (11,975 ft) above sea level, suffocating visitors with frequency, and the fact that La Verde accrued just two points on the road speaks volumes of their actual ability.

A 4-0 loss to Ecuador on Friday doesn't help their stock either, with Azkargorta working with an unenviably shallow pool of talent.

Possible XI: Romel Quinonez; Ronald Raldes, Marvin Bejarano, Ramiro Ballivian, Ronald Eguino; Gualberto Mojica, Jose Luis Chacez, Pedro Azoque, Alejandro Melean, Raul Castro; Carlos Saucedo

Bolivia's Homework

Mexico's 0-0 draw with Chile saw several positives emerge from the game, but two key areas suffered due to the lack of usual quality in the squad.

Without Rafa Marquez (settling in Verona) and Hector Moreno playing in defence, the line looked shaky and unsure. Up front, Oribe Peralta received little service and stand-in striker Javier Orozco missed several great chances.

Oswaldo Alanis looked particular suspect in defence, but he won't start with Herrera plumping for a Hiram Mier-Hugo Ayala-Luis Venegas back line.

That's targetable, and with Mexico also (experimentally) weak in holding midfield, Carlos Saucedo and Co. can provide a test.

Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Libero Worries

Marquez is more than just an elite commander in the defensive line: He's a playmaker starting from deep too.

As illustrated at the World Cup, the former Barcelona man is instrumental in his team's play by bringing the ball out and pushing on to find passes. If El Tri look fully marked in the central zones, he'll canter forward and pick out a longer pass or simply carry on dribbling till an option appears.

His impact in this area is one of a number of reasons why El Tri fans are so scared for the impending future without him, and the friendly against Chile validated their concerns.

Herrera will be looking for one of his centre-backs to grasp the mantle in his absence and make a case for replacing him long-term.

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