Mexico

Goal.commentary: Mexico Player Ratings

Joel Aceves rates in the individual performances for Mexico in their game against El Salvador.

Oct 11, 2009 11:29:22 AM

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By Joel Aceves

Mexico player ratings following their 4-1 World Cup qualifying win over El Salvador.

Ochoa (6) Despite being challenged on very few occasions the Club America keeper had a very solid performance guarding the Tricolors posts. Perhaps, bad positioning led to Julio Martinez scoring off a free kick shot but Ochoa more than made up for that slip up with a long range pass that practically set up Carlos Vela for a goal.

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Salcido (6) The PSV defender proved why he is the Mexican national teams undisputed left back. Salcido was very solid in defense and contributed to the team’s attack with his usual dangerous runs down the wing. Overall, Salcido was rarely called to action by the Salvadorian attackers who’s majority of shots at goal were long distant efforts.

Osorio (5) Having been frozen out of VfB Stuttgart’s first team, due to contract problems, did not seem to have much effect on Osorio who had a good showing. Osorio almost gave up a goal, in the final minutes of the first-half, as Artuto Alvarez slipped past him but was fortunate enough to have been covered by the on-form Salcido. Overall, Osorio along with Marquez had the Tricolors center defense in lock down.

Marquez: (6) The Mexican Kaiser made his long awaited return to the Tricolor after overcoming a lengthy injury. Marquez not only took over the team’s captaincy but showed why he is a leader in the field. While Marquez is far from being at the top of his form, which showed in many of his passes and shot’s at goal, he had a solid enough performance to demonstrate that he continues to be an important asset to the Tricolor.

Juarez: (5) The Pumas UNAM defender had a very good game defensively but was a disappointment on attack. Juarez crossing was atrocious to say the least and his passing was questionable at best. Defensively, however, Juarez did a good job and should continue to be part of the starting eleven.

Castro: (5) More was expected of Isarel Castro who’s brilliant performances, in previous games, have helped cement a starting spot in the national team. Still, the Pumas UNAM midfielder fulfilled his duty and along with Torrado contained a wary Salvadorian team which threatened to come out attacking as opposed to previous opponents that were "parking the bus" at Azteca stadium.

Guardado: (6) The Deportivo la Coruna midfielder proved to be more than a handful for the Salvadorian attackers who benefited from his bad aiming. While Guardado’s shooting left much to be desired his constant runs down the left wing caused enough disorder allowing the likes of Temoc, Guille, and Vela to be more dangerous.

Torrado: (5) The Cruz Azul midfielder had a few problems containing the faster and more agile Eliseo Quintanilla throughout the first-half. Torrado managed to regain his composure in the second-half and along with Castro pushed a weary Salvadorian team to their own side of the field.

Blanco: (8) Before the match the Chicago Fire’s striker presence was in doubt. Blanco, however, not only managed to shake off his injury but proved to be Mexico’s most dangerous player. A zigzagging run by Blanco led to a Marvin Quintanilla own-goal and opened the scoring for the Tricolor. Blanco bagged his brace in the 71st minute with a well placed shot and then abandoned the field amid a well deserved standing ovation.

Franco (6) The West Ham United striker, who has yet to debut in the Premier League, did a good job of playing with his back to goal and opening up spaces for Blanco. Still, Guille had far too many problems controlling the ball and lost possession on countless occasions. Franco’s best opportunity came in the 22nd minute with a diving header that was denied by Miguel Montes. While not having one of his best games Franco showed why Javier Aguirre has so much faith in him and set up Blanco to double Mexico’s lead.

Vela (6) The Arsenal upstart almost scored the goal of the Hexagonal with a wicked scissors kick shot that Montes managed to save. Aside from the acrobatics Vela’s aiming was off leading to many wasted opportunities. Vela, who also returned from injury, finally found redemption in the final minutes of the match. Vela did well to set up Palencia, in the 84th minute, before taking advantage of Quintanilla’s second slip of the match and stealing the ball inside the box to seal Mexico’s victory.

Palencia (7) El Gatillero was the surprise call-up and was not even expected to leave the bench. Still, the former Chivas-USA player came into the match, in the 77th minutes, firing on all cylinders and within a few minutes helped triple Mexico’s lead. While Palencia might not make the trip to South Africa having helped the Tricolor achieve their qualification to the World Cup is more than fair send off for the veteran striker.

Sabah (5) The Monarca’s Morelia striker came into the match in the 86th minute to replace Guillermo Franco. Sabah had one good scoring chance but his shot sailed wide of goal.

Barrera (5) Pablo Barrera replaced Andres Guardado in the 89th minute but did not have enough minutes on the field to make a difference.

Joel Aceves covers Mexican football for Goal.com.

For more coverage of the Mexican national team, visit Goal.com.

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