Despite Loss, Mexico Players Remain Confident

After losing their first game in the 2009 Hexagonal, Mexico players said they were confident that Mexico would reach the World Cup.

Feb 12, 2009 4:03:07 PM

More On :  Mexico
Alberto Medina- Mexico vs Suecia (Mexsport)
Amidst a shroud of uncertainty and harsh scrutiny from media and fans, Mexican national team players said they were confident in their chances to qualify for the World Cup.

Mexico lost to the United States by 2-0 on Wednesday in Columbus, Ohio, but the defeat seemingly did not dampen players' spirits nor douse their confidence.
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"Everyone needs to remain calm. It was the first game, and there are plenty more ahead of us," midfielder Alberto Venado told Mexican news agency Notimex. "We lost to the United States and that causes controversy but the there are games yet to play, the team is fine and there is quality here."

Against the Americans, Mexico played evenly until the first goal, Medina said. Afterward, the match slipped away from them.

"We didn't play poorly but there was a set piece, a loss of focus and they scored a goal," Medina said. "They gained confidence from that and from there it was a different game."

Leading up to the game, Mexico coach Sven-Goran Eriksson's job seemed tenuous as he was linked to a job opening in the English Premiership. After the loss, speculation increased as his popularity took a nose dive.

However, players said they support their coach.

"We're going to continue supporting him, even though the best way to do that is on the field," forward Carlos Ochoa said. "I think the team fought, we executed the game plan and of course we are upset that we lost."


Up next for Mexico is a friendly against Bolivia in Colorado on March 11 followed by World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica at home on March 28 and at Honduras on April 1.

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