Weekly English Premier League Opinion - World Cup Edition Day 4
Germany vs. Mexico
Mexico got it dead right and won an unpredictable victory against reigning world champions Germany, and playing exactly in the style that I like, the style that I think is correct.
I admired the game plan that Mexico not only conceived but also delivered on. We all know Mexico are a feature of world football, but we also know that they are never quite completely relevant, just on the periphery of importance. I’ve always liked the heritage of Mexico football, I see it often living in the United State and I appreciate their passion, it resonates with me. I watched Mexico’s hexagonal qualification and their preliminary tournament appearances, I see them a lot.
I spoke recently with a Mexican coaching colleague about their national team potential, we discussed my skepticism about their European based players who I have a little more reference of. I wasn’t convinced that this Mexico team was a capable of becoming a World Cup contributor. The conversation in return back towards me was optimistic, ...if team selection was progressive.
Too many teams playing against a perceived better opponent just acquiesce and adopt a damage limitation policy. Not enough teams bring a game plan to upset that rhythm. Lose with dignity at least trying to win the game. And that’s what this Mexico team did well today. They tried to win and they did win.
The defensive effort was commendable, but the balance was that Mexico had massive potential on the counter attack. Often with multiple players well ahead of the ball ready for the counter and added to the strategy was the execution. Quick, accurate and direct. But above all, correct.
Mexico defended well but it wasn’t defending an emergency, they were well organized, committed to the task and allied with relentless work rate they protected their goal superbly. But it was on the transition that Mexico came to life. Despite a large amount of defending Mexico kept multiple forward options up field so they had an out-ball when they won back possession. Germany never really respected that counter-attack potential and often over committed to their own build-up play without truly recognizing the efficiency of Mexico to punish them.
Uncharacteristic defending from Boatang, allowed Chicharito to collect the first forward ball on the transition, a wonderful deft lay-off and Mexico were away. The recovery from Germany was halfhearted and the execution of Mexico clinical. It was a beautifully constructed goal.
Germany will bounce back, they are too strong a tournament team to fold after this hurdle. But if they are going to go deep in this competition, which a lot of people think they will, then they will have to be better. The speed and tempo in possession was not good, but their preparation to avoid the counter-attack was weak. There are better teams than Mexico at this event, Germany could get dumped out if they don’t get that right.
As for Mexico, that’s a great start for them, but the job isn’t done yet. No point winning this game if you lose then next one. Let’s see how far that counter-attacking flair can take them.
By Jonny Carter - Chicago Fire
