[USA-MEXICO] Mexico fired Coach Jose Manuel de la Torre after Friday’s 2-1 to Honduras. The future of his replacement,assistant and close friend Luis Fernando Tena, was uncertain after El Tri’s 2-0 loss to the USA.
Tena, who led Mexico to the 2012 Olympic goldmedal in men’s soccer, had just three days to prepare El Tri as an emergency replacement.
“We made an arrangement to discuss it after the game,” said Tena after the loss to the UnitedStates. “There’s nothing that’s been decided at this point. This isn’t the best time to make decisions.”
The loss dropped Mexico to fifth place, below Panama on goals scored with twogames to play.
Mexico and Panama will meet on Oct. 11 at Azteca Stadium, where Mexico has yet to win the Hexagonal (three 0-0 ties and 2-1 loss to Honduras).
El Tri is likelyplaying for fourth place — and a berth in the intercontinental playoff against New Zealand — though Honduras’ failure to close out Panama left the Catrachos just three points in front of Mexico andPanama with two games to play.
Hexagonal Results:
Sept. 10
USA 2 Mexico 0
Jamaica 1 Costa Rica 1
Honduras 2 Panama 2
Hexagonal Standings:
15 Costa Rica 4-3-1 12/6
16 USA 5-1-2 10/6
11 Honduras 3-2-3 10/10
8 Mexico 1-5-2 4/6
8 Panama 1-5-2 7/9
4Jamaica 0-4-4 3/9
Hexagonal Schedule:
Oct. 11
USA-Jamaica
Mexico-Panama
Honduras-Costa Rica
Oct. 15
Panama-USA
Jamaica-Honduras
CostaRica-Mexico
IMO, Panama has played better soccer in the hex than mexico, nearly doubling them on goals scored, and controls their own destiny. Interesting thing will be, which two US & CR teams will show up for match day #10 when there is nothing for them to gain, other than possibly first place bragging rights?
You must have read something between the lines, that of course is not there? I was referring to whether the two teams use the opportunity to try new players and/or alignments…..injuries and such not withstanding. I could of also referenced Panama’s two victories over mexico in the GC providing additional argument that they will end up fourth, but chose not to.
While the teams will already have qualified, many of the players, at least on the US side, will be battling for positions on the final roster to go to Brazil. I wouldn’t look for any drop-off in intensity from the US players. The final selection process will give a lot to talk about!
@Chris, it is my understanding that there is actually something at stake for the USMNT to gain by being the CONCACAF pool leader due to the way the later WC draw is conducted. I believe that the confederation winner is given special consideration to be the first designated in its own group of the 8 WC groups that are set up before the regular draw begins to fill such groups (i.e. A-H) and this somehow provides an advantage because there are restrictions on the type of teams included in your group. Perhaps someone else out there can explain this better than I can?
you’re right David, I should of remembered that, although it is arguable whether or not it provides any true advantage. I think it has to do, as you say, with how many UEFA teams can be in your same group. We weren’t so lucky last time, but did conquer our group afterall…….I’m sure someone will fill in the blanks on this…..