Mexico’s Juan Carlos Osorio made a believer of his players

Photo Credit: Getty Images/ FIFA.com

For Professor Juan Carlos Osorio back-to-back wins in this World Cup with El Tri has him as the toast of Russia. Suddenly the man from Colombia is turning heads and allowing a nation in love with the Beautiful Game to dream of much higher feats of its beloved national team. By facing what seemed to be a hungry South Korean side and winning, Osorio and his players has Mexico believing in the possibilities of this side.

This match was not a walk in the park for the Mexicans that once again saw its defensive backfield stepping out big. With just one change in his initial eleven, Professor Osorio put in Club America defender Edson Alvarez for UANL Hector Ayala. Alongside a repeat of El Tri manager 4-2-3-1 formation, giving him so far positive results. One more time the Mexican defensive backfield played as if they were in a final and vehemently denied the Korean strikers and their offensive attack any liberties.

In addition of being dominant with the ball when the Mexicans had position, immediately in the 23’ minute these provoked a penalty via a handball. Here he shows the intelligent game the Mexican are playing and ambition shown in both their matches.  Still the fierceness and zealous approach these took to defend the posts of another notable in their defensive scheme goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Photo Credit: Getty Images/FIFA.com

Not only is the defensive game notable for the Mexicans but its offensive attack lead by LAFC striker Carlos Vela, who took the penalty and opened the score for Mexico in the 23’ minute. Later in the second half with a repeat in the combination of Hirving Lozano this time assisting to Javier Chicharito Hernadez to secure the game second goal in the 66’.

The Mexican National defenders in multiple occasions showed their class and mastery of their backfield to reject time after time the push of the Korean strikers. By showing off a new era of self-confidence the Mexican players not seen in previous World Cup competitions and now, they are demonstrating their readiness for football’s prime-time.

Photo Credit: Getty Images/FIFA.com

There is one person responsible for this country’s sudden emergence as a top contender, not that they were not, but this time they are for real. As the Rostov Arena trembled with choreography of chants from its raucous fan base. Suddenly I felt I was in a stadium in Mexico not Russia. As the colossus of Rostov- On- Don, as this Southern Port City and home of Rostov FC was witness to a sea of green and red in all its stands.

For all of those in attendance they exposed to a one of a kind contest and despite the loss for the South Koreans never gave up. They displayed a fighting stance through the course of the match until their perseverance paid off in the ninety-three minute. As Son Heung- Min scoring in the South Koreans only goal in the 93rd minute.

For now, México (2-0-0, 6 points) is one-step away from making the knockout stage. Their Group F finale will be against Sweden next Wednesday June 27 at Yekaterinburg Central Stadium at 7:00 AM PST / 10:00 AM EST on Fox and Telemundo.