Playing for 90
Fansided

‘Tecatito’ helps El Tri salvage point on road in Panama

By Thomas Buckley

Jesús Corona (#17) watches as his 76th-minute shot finds its way into the net. El Tri escaped Panama City with a hard-earned draw. (Photo by ROGELIO FIGUEROA/AFP via Getty Images)
Jesús Corona (#17) watches as his 76th-minute shot finds its way into the net. El Tri escaped Panama City with a hard-earned draw. (Photo by ROGELIO FIGUEROA/AFP via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
El Tri Panama report
Olympic bronze medal-winner César Montes, left, stated his case for a starting spot in central defense for El Tri with another strong game. (Photo by ROGELIO FIGUEROA/AFP via Getty Images) /

Stubborn Martino sticks with same starters

Coach “Tata” Martino – and his stand-in Jorge Theiler – get low marks for failing to rotate the line-up. With El Tri playing its third game in eight days, it only made sense to opt for fresh legs. Instead, the ineffective Rogelio Funes Mori started his third straight game as striker and three back-liners – Gallardo, César Montes and Néstor Araujo – were not given the breathers they deserved.

With a deep bench (and the positive performances of the second-half subs as evidence), Mexico would have been better served with an alternate line-up.

Coaches: 5

As a team, Mexico held firm in the face of adversity (some of it self-inflicted) and battled to a hard-earned draw. Once again, the offensive trident was spotty, lacking burst and flair. Too many turnovers disrupted flow and forced tactical retreats.

Team: 6

Player ratings
Goalie

Guillermo Ochoa: 6

“Memo” wasn’t required to do too much after a big-time save just 90 seconds in. He might have done better on the goal (he bundled a rebound right to Blackburn). His passing was below par, even his free kicks.

More from Playing for 90

Defense

Jesús Gallardo – 6.5

The left back provided width and depth and got stronger as the game went on. His cross in minute 55 nearly produced the equalizer and he played a key role in the build-up that resulted in Corona’s goal.

Néstor Araujo – 5

The Celta de Vigo defender had been stellar in the first two qualifiers, but his passing was suspect against Panama, causing some unneeded suspense.

César Montes – 7

“El Cachorro” is settling into the role very nicely and his passing is a pleasant surprise (twice, he sent long diagonal passes to Monterrey teammate Gallardo on the left flank that led directly to offensive moves). Might have been a bit late in marking Blackburn on the goal (it wasn’t his man to begin with), but he smartly cut out several attempted through passes on his front side.

Jorge Sánchez – 3.5

Not sure how much longer Martino can give Sánchez opportunities to claim this spot. The América fullback did little that deserves mention, but at least avoided making the bonehead plays he is becoming known for.

Home/CONCACAF