MEXICAN NATIONAL TEAM STILL HAVE WORK TO DO

The national team of Mexico still has work to do if they are to seal their World Cup participation hopes.

After the comfortable 3-0 over Honduras, the 1-1 draw against the United States slowed things down but the four points was enough consolation.

Mexico are top of the CONCACAF Hexagonal standing now but there is still a lot of work as Russia 2018 beckons.

The Mexican side like claiming they play superior football compared to others in the region, and that they have endless talents. However, while they showed some parts of this against the US, they still have work to do. Their stars Carlos Salcedo, Raul Jimenez, Hector Herrera, Javier Chicharito Hernandez and Miguel Layun struggled at different times this season.

The US were resolute in defence but the Mexican side should have found a way around them. Coach Juan Osorio would have to plan against that kind of play for subsequent games. Most of the players in the team play in Europe so they are supposedly exposed to top level football.

They stamped their authority when they met Honduras but they were largely deficient against USA. The Mexican side posted just one shot on goal, which is very poor at best. Even the coach admitted the poor figures after the game.

The excuse of missing players would not stand. Rafa Marquez, Andres Guardado, Nestor Araujo and Tecatitio Corona were missed but the play employed should have been to the strength of the available players. Jesus Coronawas sorely missed as he had to leave the team in camp to attend to a personal issue. Playing with four defenders when Mexico was at home and needed victory was counterproductive.

Carlos Vela has finally won his way back to the heart of the El Tri team. His goal was important and his play to the admiration of the fans.