Claudio Suarez: Why Defeating the Dutch Is Key Ahead of the Belarus Friendly

Mexico's 2-3 win over the Netherlands showed that El Tri can compete head-to-head with the strongest teams in the world.

But aside the good result, the friendly against the Dutch was key for Miguel Herrera, as he has to put together two teams for 2015, and also because Carlos Vela proved he is committed to the squad.

Former football Mexican legend and current member of the Fox Deportes broadcast team of analyst Claudio Suarez spoke with Bleacher Report about the importance of Mexico's recent win ahead of the Belarus friendly.

Bleacher Report: Mexico had a great victory versus Netherlands, what are your thoughts on that?

Claudio Suarez: Very good. I think it was an historic game because it had been a long time since Mexico had defeated them on home soil. Although it was a friendly, it's always important to secure a win against this type of games.

For Miguel Herrera's plan, I think it was a fantastic exercise, because he needs to put together two teams, so it was refreshing to see some veterans playing with upcoming talents.

This will give the team peace of mind.

B/R: El Tri played completely different than in previous friendlies, what happened?

CS: Totally. Against Panama and Honduras Mexico couldn't create play nor link their lines. But those kinds of games are always like that, because the rivals wait to come out and counter-attack. Also, playing in Europe motivates the players, even more if they play versus the squad that eliminated in the past World Cup.

Miguel Herrera's new formation was clever. It surprised everyone. The line of four defenders with a defensive midfielder in front of them gave the back line more structure.

B/R: Guillermo Ochoa keeps performing well; the Netherlands scored from outside the box, when Ochoa couldn't do much.

CS: Yes. Although he is not playing with Malaga, he is not out of rhythm; he had a great afternoon. He managed the time adequately and was a good leader overall.

B/R: Let's talk about Carlos Vela and the brace he scored.

CS: There had been a lot of drama surrounding Vela, but he finally came and played great. Real Sociedad hadn't had a good season so far, but Vela delivered the results he was expected.

Both goals were first-class, with which he proves he has technique and that he can be very dangerous, even when he doesn't score. We saw how he put up a great ball for Javier Hernandez that Chicharito almost sends to the net.

Overall, he is an extraordinary player, and he will help the team mature and grow in the attacking zone.

B/R: After this victory, what should we expect from the match against Belarus?

CS: Mexico is the favorite, for sure. Belarus hasn't done very well in the Euro 2016 qualification. They are set to visit Spain at Estadio Nuevo Colombino, so they will try to make the most out of the Mexico friendly.

Belarus are very defensive, they usually play with five defenders and wait to counter-attack.

El Piojo needs to keep his strategy, with ball possession and verticality. El Tri has to score quickly to push the Belarusian to come out and play.

The weather could be a factor too; it will be very cold there.

B/R: Will this be a good opportunity to start with more players from the Liga MX?

CS: He will shuffle the players. For starters, in the attacking line we'll see Raul Jimenez and Giovani dos Santos. Jimenez needs to prove himself because he hasn't done so well with Atletico Madrid, but he is a dangerous player.

Maybe Herrera will go back to his 5-3-2 system, which could give the Liga MX players more opportunities to appear, like Miguel Ponce.

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

B/R: The defense has been shaky. The youngsters are still a ways away from making an impact, like Rafael Marquez and Hector Moreno did.

CS: For sure. They had trouble against Netherlands. It's true that stopping Arjen Robben is not easy, even so Miguel Angel Herrera, Oswaldo Alanis and Adrian Aldrete didn't show the same level they've had with their clubs this season. I think against Belarus they have to make a statement and step up.

B/R: What's your prediction for the Belarus friendly?

CS: I think Mexico can win 2-0 or 3-0. It won't be easy, but El Tri are motivated, and Belarus are not having a walk in the park. Mexico are superior in every line, for sure.

B/R: What line will be key to win the game?

CS: The attacking line. They have to be very intelligent and find the way to crack up the defense. As long as El Tri have the ball and play with the verticality they have had so far, then they will be fine.

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