Guats screw Mexico in Olympic Qualifying...

[Knoxville-Horn]

Knowing that they were in, Guatemala purposely threw today's game against Canada, giving up 5 goals (5-0) to make it virtually impossible for Mexico to pass Canada in goal differential. Not only did Guatemala throw the game; they're fans cheered every Canadian goal knowing that each goal put another nail in Mexico's coffin.

 

[Napoleon]

Then Mexico comes back and wins 5-1... only to miss advancing to the semis because of several open goal misses and a kick save by the Haitian goal keeper in the 93rd or 94th minute!!

Big Soccer was going CRAZY!

Haiti was playing a 2 man defense. For some reason.

 

[Knoxville-Horn]

That was - without a doubt - the 2nd craziest soccer game I've ever seen. First being the Champion's League final of a couple of years ago.

Haitian keeper gives up 5 goals and is MAN OF THE MATCH!! Mexico was - literally - getting 3, 4 and 5 on none breaks -- AND MISSING THEM! They also had a PK saved. For whatever reason, Haiti, down to 9 men, was only playing 2 back on defense. I guess it was a 2-4-2 or something. Oddly, when Haiti's forwards would get the ball, instead of killing time or trying to score, they would dribble into trouble and lose the ball every time.

So, now it's the US v. Canada. I really didn't want to have to play Mexico if they were able to come back tonight. They would have been incredibly hyped.

 

[1899horn]

Mexico's failure to qualify exemplifies the 3 biggest obstacles for Mexican soccer:

1. Mexico's arrogance toward CONCACAF. I am sure that Mexico didn't even bother to scout or study their group opponents. They have the attitude that when they walk on the pitch vs. their lesser opponents, they have to be bothered to ring up a 6-0 score. It is obvious that CONCACAF is much better now than it has ever been. Maybe by the time the WCQs get under way, they will have learned this lesson. Doubtful. And considering Mexico has Canada, Jamaica, and Honduras in the prelims, their ticket to the final 6 is far from stamped.

Their Federation is more interested in making money than advancing the sport. Mexico went on a 5 weeks 8 game "preparation" to sell tickets and make money. They never got better, and I have to think they were tired by the time the real tournament started. But, hey, they turned a profit.

The most telling of all, though, is their 5 foreigner per team limit in the local league. The reason this is important is that all but one of the teams will field their 5 foreigners, and 90% of those guys play up top. Mexican strikers lack finishing skills because they never get to play. Only once in the last 10 years has a Mexican finished on top of the total goal tally in a season. Out of the top 10 scorers in the league, only 2 are mexican. Thank god Vela, Gio and Guardado are playing abroad. They can learn how to score.

I give big props to both the Canadians and the Chapines for advancing.

 

[DeadHeadHorn]

I saw the highlights on YouTube (then I watched them on Fox Soccer Report and they didn't do them any sort of justice). Wow, that was a crazy game.

I also saw the Canada-Guate highlights, and while it was a pretty poor showing, I'm not sure Guate was taking a dive. Maybe the highlights were misleading, but that Canadian kid scored some real crackers that would have been impossible to stop. If they did throw the game, shame on them. I hate the Mexican national team as much as anyone, but that's not in the integrity of the game.

Keep Hugo!!!

 

[TexonLongIsland]

Sorry DeadHead.

Hugo out

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy

 

[DeadHeadHorn]

And I was hoping this was an April Fool's trick.

Damn. Their futility with Hugo at the helm was a lot of fun to watch.

 

[1899horn]

I do hope that having done this, Mexico does go out and hire a difference making coach. They are floating Felipao, and Peckerman as possible replacements. I have been following Mexico for 30 years, and this group of players in without a doubt the most talented group they have ever had (a close second was the 1990 era team, but they never got a chance to prove their mettle). The next coach has to be one that can help players turn good moments into special ones.

If they pick a coach from the Mexican league recycling bin, it'll be more of the same.