Mexico v. Honduras 2-1 20/Aug/08

A dull and lucky Mexican side grasped their first win in what will be another rocky and troubled qualification stage to the World Cup in two-years time. Eriksson managed somehow to keep the expectations concerning the qualification but the way the National side played, is far from grace, especially with all the media talk. Although announced even in the food, this match attracted a lot of people but the thoughts of the Mexican psyche were with the gold medal winner Guillermo Perez early in the day. Something that has to be considered is the so-called "Best Generation" of Mexican footballers. The fact that a talented array of youg players in Europe arose from the common standard does not mean that the "Best" concept of football in Mexico is about to arouse.

And it was through the best promising young star, Andrés Guardado, that the first poisonous cross came at 1'. This tempestuous beginning was followed by several plays by the home side, overwhelming from one end to another the visiting side. Vela and Guardado were amongst the finest creating opportunites in both flanks. But it was the other youngster in English football who failed to surprise, again. The Spur dos Santos was invisible all the game, and nearly not mentioned in the comments. The Central-American side was overwhelmed by the possesion of the home side that only through a chance such as a free-kick could harm the National team. The set piece was perfectly executed leaving all the stadium quite for some seconds. After this incident,in 36', the charm that the Mexican side produced nearly dissapeared leaving the Mexicans with a different taste of what would be in another match.



In the second half, with Giovani already replaced and the stands waving for Cuauhtemoc, Eriksson made his second move in order to appeal an offensive style. A save by Oswaldo gave the home side hope. But the things changed when a tremedous rebound strike entered the box from Pardo at 73'. Right after it in the 75' another goal by the Stuttgart player, this one due to a deficit in marking, came from a free-kick. Mexico needed more luck to lead the game in just four minutes, but the visiting side came off at 83' with some respectable pressure concerning the previous games.

In the end Mexico lacked brilliancy and finish in the final third part of the field. The glimpses of talent provide the National side a transcendent win against a sturdy and overwhelmed Hondurean side.