Mexico

Aguirre Praises Mexico After Successful Gold Cup Opener

Mexico were criticized following their lackluster performance against regional minnows Nicaragua but Mexico manager Javier Aguirre said he was satisfied.

Jul 6, 2009 1:43:34 AM

More On : Mexico

Javier Aguirre- Mexico Manager (Mexsport)

Mexico unconvincingly won 2-0 against Nicaragua in their opening game of the 2009 Gold Cup. After much criticism towards the team, Aguirre said he feels like they are taking a step in the right direction with their first three points.

“I’m satisfied. We wanted to win the game and we did it. We have the first three points. Our obligation is to win games to gain points and step by step get to the next round,” said Aguirre in a post game press conference. “I’m satisfied because I know that there’s things to improve, and I understand that the rival defended to the extreme for 90 minutes. They shot three times at goal, and that made things difficult.”

Don't Miss

Although the Mexican team had several opportunities to score, finishing was a problem once more.

“I liked that the team tried and tried towards the opponents goal; they never gave up. Fortunately, the first goal took off some pressure and we relaxed going into the break. I liked the second half because we had more depth with (Alberto) Medina and (Pablo) Barrera and it was a fair 2-0 in my opinion.”

Aguirre, however, believes that the difference in the score line could have been greater.

“The score could have been greater, but you also have to give Nicaragua credit. I congratulate them for their defense, and for their enthusiasm during the whole game.”

Despite the problems up front, Aguirre is content with the defense which has kept clean sheets in their past games.

“(Sunday) we had our third game without conceding a goal. That’s one of the objectives, that the team is defensively solid and that they don’t give the opponent any initiative," Aguirre said. "Also, one of the goals was to start out winning in this Gold Cup and we achieved that. In both friendlies that we had I didn’t care about the result as much as how the team functioned. (Sunday) was different. I think that we’re going step by step, not at the speed that we’d like, but we’re moving."

One of the unfortunate events in the game was the early substitution of Carlos Vela.

“I don’t like any injuries to player on my team, or on the opponents. They’re never welcomed. In Carlos Vela’s case I hope that it’s only a scare. We hope that the injury isn’t confirmed to be to the bone, and that he stays with us," Aguirre said. “The hit came in from behind, and in the fall his foot stayed behind. The doctor is feeling something in the fibula that he doesn’t like, so he sent for x-rays.”

Andrea Martinez, Goal.com

Visit Goal.com for more coverage of the Mexican National Team.

Want more from Goal.com delivered right to your door? Introducing "Goal.com Magazine." Subscribe now!

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook

Thank you for your comment!

Please enter your name

Please enter your location

Please share your comment!