Comments on: A close look at Mexico

By: Angelo Mattiello

Angelo Mattiello — Wed, 10 May 2006 14:26:47 +0000

Excellent analysis. I would add that we are having some trouble finding a good right winger (Carmona, I miss you) and that Fonseca is not on the starting eleven (Franco is). Aside from that, I think the article is great.

Hopefully, Lavolpe is also doing his homework and will have an analysis of his own (one can only hope). Anyway, we have a date in less than a month time. Good luck to all Iran.

By: kia

kia — Tue, 09 May 2006 20:16:57 +0000

Great statistics!!! Definitely very usful. However, I do not agree that Team Melli should paly defensive hoping for a tie. Iran never plays well defensively. In fact, no defense can hold a good opponent from scoring for ever. The best defense is offense. And that’s where such stats are most relevant.

By: Wil

Wil — Tue, 09 May 2006 17:50:56 +0000

The article about Mexico was excellent. I really enjoyed it.
I think Iran is a good team and I like the way they play. Mexico is a good team and has improved a lot. Mexico has good players and real chances to go further in this World Cup. I think the most important game for Mexico is against Iran and Mexico should win that game because it is a better and more experienced team than Iran. However, Iran has chances to win as well.
Both are good teams and we will see what happens on June 11th.

By: plashch

plashch — Tue, 09 May 2006 13:39:51 +0000

That’s a pretty good article on Mexico. As a USA supporter who sees Mexico a lot, I have a few comments.

There’s a small error: Pardo doesn’t play behind the strikers, he’s a defensive midfielder.

Fonseca isn’t likely to start with Borgetti up front. It should be Guillermo Franco, who’s more technical and not as physical as Fonseca. You can’t rough up Fonseca, but you might be able to throw Franco off his stride with tight marking.

Mexico is vulnerable to strong, physical pressing all over the field. That’s how the USA does it.

Alternatively, they can be static in midfield, and if you keep your shape and look for the counterattack, they can be frustrated for quite some time.

They’re also weak defending set pieces.

By: Luis Carlos

Luis Carlos — Tue, 09 May 2006 07:59:10 +0000

Well to be honest, as a Mexican Fan and blogger I’m more afraid of Iran than any other team in our group. Mexico usually underestimates Asian teams and may not do as well. I don’t expect Iran to win, but a tie is likely.