World Cup 2010: Mexico 0-1 Uruguay - Mexico Defense Analysis

Goal.com's Sergio Tristan takes a look at Mexico's defense following the Mexico-Uruguay match.

Jun 22, 2010 12:33:00 PM

By Sergio Tristan

More On :  Mexico
Oscar Perez (Mexsport)
Who played well:

Rafael Marquez. The previous game's captain moved into the backline to cover for a substituted Hector Moreno. For the 40 minutes Marquez moved into his traditional position the defense covered it's holes better and appeared more comfortable when dealing with the dangerous Uruguayans. Marquez's confidence also allowed for Maza to move up and provide another threat for the Mexican Attack. Marquez provided the comfort lacking all game.
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El Conejo Perez: The goal by Suarez was execellent and in no way El Conejo's fault. The much questioned starter actually came very close to reaching that well placed header and just only missed with his out stretched hand. However, it was the header off a corner kick which was surely going in that saved Mexico from falling down 2-0 and putting in jeopordy their place in the second round.

Who played poorly:

Everyone else. Moreno and Maza were severly beaten with simple balls over an behind them and played most of the game out of position. Moreno completely missed a tackle in the first ten minutes which Suarez almost converted for the 1-0. The two world consistantly cross each other and invade each others space creating more space for the speed of the Forlan and Suarez. However out of the two Maza had the worst mistake in failing to see Suarez's location during the cross which lead to the goal.


On the outside of the defense, Salcido did not attack as is his costum and looked extremely lacks throughout the game. He tackled weakly, did not push back quickly to help teammates, and looked to be at half gas for much of the second half. Osorio doesn't escape either because his ball switches were intercepted twice, one almost resulting in a goal, and worse of all challenged the cross that lead to the goal in a very non chalant manner. Giving El Matador plenty of time to find Suarez on the backside.

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