Saturday, September 7, 2013

Mexico vs. Honduras: Final score 1-2 as El Tri melts down

http://www.sbnation.com

Will 'Chepo' Jose Manuel de la Torre even be allowed to get onto the team plane to Ohio?

Horrendous home performances have become the norm for Mexico under 'Chepo' Jose Manuel de la Torre, but even the most pessimistic of Mexico supporters probably didn't think they'd see as disastrous of a second half as they saw at Estadio Azteca on Friday night. El Tri were horrible in every aspect of the game, letting Honduras quickly turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead, then hold onto it easily for a massive upset win.
Mexico's only goal, scored just six minutes in, was an absolute beauty and inspired hope in fans that their team had finally brought something different to a big match. Giovani dos Santos set up the goal with a stellar solo run through the center of the pitch and a square ball for Oribe Peralta, who finished off the quick counter-attacking move. Unfortunately for the home fans, that was the last bit of impressive attacking they'd see in the match.
Hondruas subbed on Jerry Bengtson for Andy Najar at halftime and began to play more direct balls to their strikers in the second half. The tactical switch turned out to be a stroke of genius.
Bengtson netted the surprise equalizer in the 64th minute, finishing off a bit of a poacher's effort following a scramble in the box, where Jose Corona saved Carlo Costly's initial shot. Two minutes later, Costly got on the board himself with an incredibly impressive show of athleticism. He ran onto a through ball by Emilio Izaguirre, shouldered Diego Reyes off the ball and finished to the far post to give Los Catrachos a stunning lead.
In a desperation move, Chepo subbed on striker 'Chicharito' Javier Hernandez for defensive midfielder Gerardo Torrado. While it gave El Tri another body in the box, it also made it easier for Honduras to relieve pressure and counter through the center. Chicharito hit the crossbar in the 88th minute, recording Mexico's only real scoring chance after the Honduras goals, and the visitors held on for a massive win that could cost Chepo his job.

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