Mexico

Javier Aguirre Bullish After Mexico Brush Aside Haiti

The former Atletico Madrid boss took few, if any prisoners.

Jul 20, 2009 12:38:04 AM

More On : Haiti, Mexico

DALLAS, Texas -- Javier Aguirre's Mexico pulled no punches as they pounded four goals past a shell-shocked Haiti side in the Gold Cup on Sunday night, and the coach himself was in a similarly dominant state.

With the mood around El Tri's camp lacking tranquility of late, the veteran boss seized with relish on a suggestion that the 4-0 victory had banished some ghosts from the national side.

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"Never have I said that there are ghosts - merely a lack of opportuities between the midfield and the strikers," he asserted at a press conference.

"We fixed that somewhat today. We continue to show seriousness at the back, and also seriousness in reaching our goal.

"There are now four teams left, and we hope to welcome our doubtful players back by Thursday.

"By qualifying for the semis, we've taken a big step towards our objective, and two steps remain in achieving our goals.

"Tonight we did nothing extraordinary: we only achieved the goals we set forth. Next we worry about Costa Rica, and gaining momentum and confidence in the coming days, and to shift the mood to be more positive."

Although the 'Vasco' went on to state that he was impressed by Giovani Dos Santos and Miguel Sabah as they combined to create three goals through set pieces - including one penalty - he stopped short of agreeing with opposite number Jairo Rios that Haiti were shaking with fear against Mexico and their partisan fans.

"I don't speak about my colleagues' comments due to ethical and personal rules, and I'm not going to make an exception here," said Aguirre.

"Still, I thank him for his words. It certainly isn't easy to play under the pressure of 60, 70, 80,000 fans chanting for the other team.

"The fans were amazingly responsive here, and also in Mexico. When we hear our anthem and see the colours, it's a motivating factor."

In One's Defence

Controversy did not remain out of the room for long as a reporter gave Aguirre the opportunity to crow about his much-maligned call-up of Sabah, who defied the expectations of some to score twice and become Man of the Match. Aguirre refused this invitation.

"I will not comment on specific players," he said.

"We can't all agree on call-ups. The day that everyone agrees with a squad list is the day that journalism ends.

"I know of no coach who would agree with another's 22-man roster.

"Am I under pressure? Well, you see pressure because you interpret my face and my speech. That's a very complicated thing to do when one tries to be objective."

Nor would Aguirre be drawn on the kicking incident against Panama that saw him banned from the dugout.

"It was not a fortunate situation," he mused.

"I've moved on to the next page. I'm suspended now, and I'm serving out that suspension.

"But this is the history of the team, not me. Our goal is to reach the final, and afterwards to continue on the World Cup qualification path.

"I want the best for the national team, as do all supporters. We want to win this Gold Cup title and bring happiness to our fans."

Mexico will meet Costa Rica on Thursday for the right to meet the USA or Honduras in Sunday's final in New Jersey.

Ewan Macdonald, Goal.com

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