It has been an unnecessarily arduous journey but Mexico can now finally book their flight for Brazil. In the last of a long line of second chances that have followed endless qualification slipups, Mexico will take a surely unassailable lead to Wellington next week after beating New Zealand 5-1 at Estadio Azteaca in the first leg of their World Cup playoff.
The gulf in class between the sides was evident from early on and the match, if not the tie, had been settled by half time with goals late in the opening period through Paul Aguilar and Raul Jimenez. Completing the blitz in just 18 minutes of game time, Oribe Peralta got a third just after the interval. The onslaught relaxed, before Mexico, through Peralta and Rafa Marquez, got the goals that surely render the second leg academic, despite a late consolation by substitute Chris James.
The decision by Mexico’s fourth coach in two months, Miguel Herrera, to use just domestic-based players, and mainly those from his club side Club America, paid dividends as El Tri put in a confident display, albeit against admittedly listless and limited opponents. After the big European-based stars toiled their way through the Concacaf Hexagonal, those from Liga MX put in a strong plea to be given a prominent role in Brazil. Yet, given recent events and the fact that Herrera is not even certain to be at the World Cup, it would be dangerous to look too far ahead. The likes of Javier Hernandez and Giovani dos Santos, though, while smiling at their country’s victory, must know that they can no longer earn their place in the side through reputations alone.
More to follow.
VIDEO Mexico 5-1 New Zealand: Highlights; El Tri All-But Secure World Cup Place After Thumping All Whites In Playoff First Leg
No comments:
Post a Comment