Ochoa, Teammates Shaking Off Rust, Improving Along The Way

Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa said the team is improving in large part because they have now had a sufficient amount of time to play and train with one another for a sustained amount of time.

Jul 13, 2009 12:04:56 AM

More On :  Mexico
Guillermo Ochoa - Mexico (Mexsport)
GLENDALE, Ariz. - It took until Mexico's third game of the Gold Cup but El Tri pieced together their first convincing victory of the confederation championship on Sunday against Guadeloupe.

Mexico attacked often, put away two chances and left no doubt that El Tri will be tough going forward to the knockout rounds.
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For Tricolor goalkeeper Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa, the slow start had an explanation.

"Many players are coming off vacations or were in their preseason but nobody says anything about that," Ochoa said. "We know it, though, but the group is relaxed."

Although Mexico has scored in all three group games and one of two tune-up matches, criticism has rained down on Mexico's attack. But Ochoa said the offense has functioned, and not just on Sunday.

"I don’t agree with that (critique)," Ochoa said. "There has only been one game in which we weren’t able to score and with that, everyone says that the team’s offense is lacking. That’s laughable. The team attacks. It’s just that their goalie makes a save or we hit the post, but the team isn’t worried."

Mexico's win seemingly restored faith in the team, something Thursday's 1-1 draw against Panama seemed to have erased some of it. But Ochoa said the key was not necessarily winning to restore confidence but winning to claim the group title.


"It’s important because we wanted to win the group," Ochoa said. "Everything else is in the past and we are satisfied with having won the group."

Mexico will have a full week now until their next game, in Dallas against Haiti on July 19. Despite their convincing win, Mexico will remained focused on the game and on improving.

"We know that the next game is an elimination game and we have to give Haiti the respect they deserve," Ochoa said. "They just tied the United States so we can’t get overconfident."

Luis Bueno, Goal.com

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