Mexico

Mexico 1-1 Panama: Player Ratings

Goal.com rates the individual performances in Mexico's 1-1 draw with Panama.

Jul 10, 2009 2:18:56 AM

More On : , Mexico

Mexico

Guillermo Ochoa 6 - There was not much Memo Ochoa could do to prevent Panama’s goal; other than that the America keeper was rarely tested and did a good job of playing the ball from defense. Also, in a sign of good sportsmanship Memo helped escort a paranoid Ricardo Phillips out of the field.

Don't Miss

Johnny Magallon 4 - The Chivas defender showed that he has yet to regain his old form and proved so by committing an atrocious defensive mistake that allowed Panama to level the match. Magallon managed to recover in the second-half but is still far from being the defensive dynamo he once was.

Ismael Rodriguez 5 - The America central defender had a solid match even though the Panamanian’s posed very little threat. Rodriguez was solid in the air and formed a decent partnership with Magallon.

Fausto Pinto 6- The Cruz Azul defender was one of the better players in the field. Pinto had great coverage of his area, which received the least threat from the Panamanian strikers, and was even accurate when linking up to the midfielders.

Jose Antonio Castro 5 - El Gringo Castro played a regular match; decent in defense and tried his best when running up the field to join in the attack. Perhaps, a bit more accuracy would have helped Mexico open up Panama’s defensive fort.

Gerardo Torrado 5 - The Tricolor captain once again took the roll of midfield enforcer and did his fair share of roughhousing. Still, the Cruz Azul midfielder has had a difficult time when linking up to the attack. Torrado has yet to show the form that once had him as Garcia Aspe’s successor.

Luis Miguel Noriega 5 - The hard-working Noriega was one of the better players in the field contributing both in defense and attack. Unfortunately the Puebla midfielder lost his head just before the first-half came to an end and received a red card.

Israel Martinez 5 -El “Jagger” participated in both of the first-half goals. In the first goal Jagger combined well with Gio who set up Sabah to give Mexico the lead. In Panama’s goal Martinez was easily beaten in the air allowing Blas Perez to level the score.

Alberto Medina 5 - Like a deer in headlights el Venado’s performance in the first-half was utterly useless. Medina improved slightly in the second-half but not enough to contribute to Mexico’s cause and was subbed out.

Giovani dos Santos 6 - Gio started the match firing on all cylinders eventually setting up Sabah for the opener but then became a non factor for the rest of the half. Showed sparks of ingenuity in the second-half, and was easily Mexico’s most dangerous player, but still lacked the finishing touch to do any real damage.

Miguel Sabah 6 - The Morelia striker’s venture with the Tricolor has been so poor that even when he scores he gets subbed out. Despite finally scoring a goal with the national team, thanks to Giovani’s generosity, Sabah’s overall performance left much to be desired.

Substitutions:

Omar Bravo 5 - The Deportivo la Coruna reject came in the second-half to replace former Chivas teammate Sabah. Bravo showed much willingness and desire to get in the scoring sheet but in the end did no better than Sabah and proved why he is no longer wanted by the Spanish side.

Israel Castro 5 - Replaced Jagger Martinez in the second-half and had a regular performance.

Pablo Barrera 5 - Barrera was brought in the second-half to replace Medina and while showing more aggression the Pumas striker was unfortunate to have entered a match that appeared to be more of a three-ring circus act than a football game.

Panama

Jaime Penedo 5 - Could do nothing on Mexico’s first goal. Penedo was hesitant on anther Tri attack the ball went through his legs and to his fortune hit the post.

Felipe Baloy 7 - Had some troubles controlling the ball early on, but he redeemed himself with his help in converting Panama’s goal. Baloy also had a very strong defensive showing clearing the ball in the pivotal moments

Luis Moreno 5.5 - Had a busy night defending especially in the second half. Seemed lost at times but did a good job on some clearances.

Roman Torres 4.5 – Lost his man in the goal for Mexico. Torres had a really good block in the dying minutes on a ball that seemed destined for goal.

Armando Gun 4 - Let his emotions get the best of him and received a red card for it.

Gabriel Gomez 5 - Gomez was very active up top in the first half but then got lost in the second as the game turned defensive for Panama.

Rolando Escobar 6.5 – Swung in a good kick from a set piece that turned into Panama’s first goal. Kept good physical pressure up top giving the Mexican defenders troubles at times.

Nelson Barahona 5 - Showed some flair early on with good through passing. Started dissipating as the game went on and was then subbed at half time.

Amilcar Henriquez 4.5 - Henriquez seemed to be doing more of a defensive work rather than carrying the ball up through the flanks, which was supposed to be his job.

Blas Perez 7.5 - Perez’ experience playing in Mexico showed. Perez tapped the ball past Ochoa and gave new life to Panama.

Jose Garces 5.5 - Had good options for goal but could not convert on them. He was also left up top alone and could not do anything with the suffocating Mexican defense.

Substituions:

Carlos Rivera 4 – Rivera was subbed in the second half but was practically a no show for Panama.

Manuel Torres – N/A

Ricardo Phillips 1 - Came in and instead of helping his club he hurt them after reacting to an Aguirre kick and getting a red.

Joel Aceves and Sylvestre Adame, 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!