MEXICO STILL ON COURSE AFTER US SLIP

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Mexico are still on course for a spot in Russia next year despite the result against the United States.


Many did not expect much from EL Tri ahead of the Hex stage but after defeating the US in Columbus last year, they had a decent chance at making history.

In the rematch, their greatest rival ended proceedings with a 1-1 scoreline despite Mexico dominating the ball possession. Bruce Arena’s team resisted the pressure to maintain the scoreline. Mexico were dominant with over 70 percent of the possession. The coach Juan Carlos Osorio tried to switch things as he played Oswaldo Alanis in left back role while playing centre back Carlos Salcedo as right back.

The Mexican side could not penetrate as much as expected and it stalled the efforts of the whole team. The team also missed Jesus Corona. Corona is good at cutting inside or playing deep to create opportunities compared to his replacement Hirivng Lozano who struggled to beat the usual two markers that face him.

Carlos Vela continued his plan of appeasing the Mexican fans for his three year hiatus by scoring a sublime effort. The 28-year old is experiencing his best run of games in an international shirt. Hector Herrera was decent in holding midfield as he continues to impress. Mexico have 14 points after six Hex games so far – not bad for a team that failed to make the World Cup in 2014.

Mexico are set to fly to Russia for the FIFA Confederations Cup next week. They play the opener against Euro 2016 champs Portugal.