Mexico vs. Bolivia: Winners and Losers from International Friendly

Mexico defeated Bolivia 1-0 after an unconvincing performance at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colo.

Miguel Herrera's starting XI included some of Mexico's most promising footballers, such as Rodolfo Pizarro, Antonio Rios and Erick Torres.

However, El Tri couldn't take advantage of their technical and tactical superiority. Despite having an interesting attacking line, with Javier Orozco and Torres, the lack of finishing touch hurt the team, yet again.

It's fundamental that Herrera finds footballers that can provide depth and creativity, which will generate more and better scoring options.

Let's take a look at the winners and losers from the international friendly.

Winner: Miguel Layun

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Miguel Layun continues to make a difference when he is on the pitch.

The America footballer scored the winner for Mexico in the first half, which was his third goal for El Tri overall. The other two came in a World Cup warm-up vs. Israel.

Layun took advantage of a rebound and defeated goalkeeper Daniel Vaca with a powerful shot inside the box.

The left-back, who was sidelined for a couple of weeks due to an injury in the jaw, showed that his speed and hunger are key for this team.

Loser: Ramiro Ballivian

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Ramiro Ballivian lost his temper in the second half after Miguel Layun touched him in an effort to win the ball, and the linesman didn't see fit to call a foul.

The right-back faced the referee with a hostile attitude that earned him a red card. It was especially painful because by that time Bolivia had the momentum of the match.

Ballivian's coach and teammates rebuked his behavior.

Take a look at the play.

"

Y aquí la jugada más ofensiva de Bolivia en todo el partido https://t.co/dSngsdM0Fv

— San Cadilla (@SanCadilla) September 10, 2014"

Winner: Erick Torres

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Erick Torres got his big break vs. Bolivia. Although El Cubo couldn't score, he made some interesting plays inside the box.

The Chivas USA forward showed that he can play in tight spaces and with several defenders around him. Yes, he didn't put the ball away, but he left the pitch with his head held high.

He had five shots, two on target, and kept the ball as much as possible because he understood that he could give his teammates real opportunities at making a difference in the score.

Torres needs continuity, and if he can leave the nervousness behind and keep Miguel Herrera's trust, he can earn a spot in the Copa America team.

Loser: Javier Orozco

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Miguel Herrera trusted Javier Orozco and put him in the starting XI. However, the Santos Laguna forward fell short again.

His performance was far from impressive. He only shot twice, both off target, and his average pass completion was 64 percent.

It is clear that El Chuleta makes a real difference when he comes in as a sub rather than as a starter.

He was rushing and trying very hard to make a difference and prove his worth, but his effort backfired.

Winner: Javier Aquino

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Javier Aquino wore the captain's armband, as Andres Guardado didn't start the game.

At first the Rayo Vallecano footballer seemed to be under pressure. He couldn't make a real difference and failed to lead his teammates.

But he changed his mindset and eventually became a key man for El Tri. He completed 74 percent of the passes he sent and recovered four balls.

Aquino went up and down, helping the midfield and the attacking zone with technique and confidence, proving that he has earned a lot of experience in his time in Europe.

It's been a while since we hadn't seen Aquino with such fine moves and commitment.

Loser: Marco Fabian

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Marco Fabian has yet to impress with the senior team, and he better do it soon because Mexico have two key tournaments ahead (Gold Cup and Copa America).

Fabian started the game at a different pace than his teammates. He rushed several plays, which hurt his pass-completion average. He only made 18 successful passes (62 percent).

He also shot three times off target and couldn't recover a single ball.

It's time for the Cruz Azul midfielder to get back on track, if he wants to play in the Gold Cup.

That tournament will be a priority for Miguel Herrera because the champions will face the United States (winner of the 2013 edition) for a spot in the 2017 Confederations Cup, hence we will see the A-team.

All stats appear courtesy of Mi Seleccion Gamecast (Spanish).

Follow @ karlitsv