Will ‘Tata,’ El Tri make adjustments for U.S., Canada?
El Tri is right where it expected to be, perched atop the Concacaf World Cup qualifying table with 14 of 18 points. Team USA is in second (11 points) with Canada close behind (10).
Mexico finished off a second consecutive 7-point FIFA break despite unexpectedly dropping points at home.
But the two November dates looming on the calendar – road trips to the United States and Canada – are the biggest challenges of the qualifying tournament for El Tri.
We’ll analyze those two monster clashes when November rolls around, but for now we’ll take a closer look at who has done well for El Tri and what coach “Tata” Martino could do close out the year on a positive note.
El Tri bounces back after lackluster draw
If there’s one thing “Tata” might take heart from, it is how his squad shook off a sub-par performance against Canada in Estadio Azteca and took care of business against Honduras and in El Salvador.
After The Canucks ran Mexico’s midfield ragged and tormented El Tri down the flanks, “Tata” tweaked his line-up for the Honduras match and the team responded with a stalwart display on defense. Against El Salvador, the coach made eight changes. Honduras and El Salvador each managed just 5 shots and combined for just 1 shot on goal.
César Montes has exceeded expectations and he might be the only sure-fire starter on the back line, which has had issues. Wily veteran Héctor Moreno showed he can still contribute, and Jesús Gallardo is reliable, if not always refined, at left back.
The middle of the field is where El Tri has the greatest depth and variables, anchored by bulldog Edson Álvarez as holding midfielder.
Luis Romo demonstrated strength and poise in place of Álvarez vs El Salvador and he could develop into a rampaging box-to-box midfielder if given the opportunity. Supplying energy and creativity were Sebastián Córdova (he scored the opener against Honduras) and Carlos Rodríguez (90 minutes against El Salvador); both deserve consideration as starters.