Player Ratings: Mexico 2-1 Trinidad
Mexico scored early in each half but failed to do much of anything else positive in a 2-1 win over Trinidad. Goal.com's Joel Aceves rates the players from both sides.
Jun 11, 2009 3:04:13 AM
Cuauthemoc Blanco - Mexico-Trinidad and Tobago (Mexsport)
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Cuauthemoc Blanco - Mexico-Trinidad and Tobago (Mexsport)
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Perez – (5) El Conejo, aside from Tinto’s non-stop shot at goal, was rarely forced into action.
Rojas – (7) El Kevin showed great improvement from his previous match perhaps because he seemed to have been prohibited to cross the ball. Still, Rojas was very active constantly linking up to the attack. Kevin rounded up his display with a GOLAZO that gave Mexico a very valuable three points.
Rodriguez – (5) A regular display from Maza Rodriguez who was rarely challenged by the Trinitarians. The PSV defender did well to filter passes from the back but came close to committing two costly mistakes which fortunately for him went unpunished.
Salcido – (5) Salcido’s once dangerous runs into attack seem to be a thing of the past. The PSV defender was imprecise and benefited from a mediocre opponent.
Osorio – (5) The Stuttgart defender did not seem conformable when playing in center defense. Given T&T’s lack of scoring opportunities Osorio did not have much to worry about.
Castro – (6) Took over the defensive midfield and did an overall good job containing the Trinidadians.
Guardado – (4) Despite continuously beating his mark, failed to make the best of his chances. Allowed T&T to level the match with an awful back pass that set up Tinto.
Esquivel – (4) The Toluca midfielder proved to be too inexperienced, internationaly, to suit up for the Tricolor in a must win match at home. Esquivel was overcome by nerves and failed to show why he was one of the best players of the Claususra 09 season.
Blanco – (7) Showed his leadership skills with a very good work ethic. Blanco proved he still has what it takes to play a full 90 and was Mexico’s most consistent player. Failed to cap his performance with a goal but did well to fuel the Tricolor’s lackluster attack.
Castillo – (6) Set up Franco with a nice through pass to open the scoring. Unfortunately, a 35th minute injury forced Nery to abandon the field. A shame as he was beginning to look like he had regained his form.
Franco – (6) Scored on his first attempt at goal and then fizzled out. Guille, aside from one good pass to Blanco, spent too much time flopping on the ground. Proved why he is no longer needed at Villarreal.
Sabah – (4) The top Mexican scorer in the Clausura 09 season proved to be the worst striker in the Tricolor. Sabah, along with Ince, turned what should have been a lopsided score into a close match. This was Sabah’s moment to shine and he failed to live up to expectations.
Medina – (6) The speedy midfielder replaced Esquivel early in the second half giving Mexico a much needed boost in attack. El Venado seemed to ball-hog at times but was given very little option as Mexico’s attack was poor, could have done a better job shooting at goal.
Giovani – (5) Gio had one good shot at goal and then that was it. Perhaps, twenty minutes in the field were not enough for him to get into rhythm.
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Ince – (
Kept T&T from being ran to the ground with two key saves against Nery and Franco and then denied Blanco a much-deserved goal allowing the Soca Warriors to level the match. In the second-half Ince rose to the occasion with two more brilliant saves against Blanco and Giovani.
Abu – (4) Abu allowed the nervous Esquivel to go by him on at least three occasions and was later forced to run circles by second-half sub Medina. Abu received the only yellow card of the match; ruining what could have been T&T’s most clean game ever at the Azteca stadium.
Andrews – (5) Was burned early in the match by Nery’s no-look pass to Franco. Still, Andrews managed to hold down a very shaky defensive line that would have crumbled to pieces had it not been for an on-fire Ince and a very inaccurate Mexican offense.
Hislop – (5) Had a difficult time with Franco and Sabah, benefiting the most from their inaccuracy, but did not allow the Tricolor strikers to take better aim.
Birchall – (5) Defended to the best of his abilities and still managed to join the attack on a few occasions including a memorable shot straight to the Azteca stadium rafters.
Tinto – (6) The always lurking Tinto took advantage of Guardado’s terrible back pass to level the match.
Daniel – (5) Failed to take command in the middle of the field.
Jones – (5) Far from his usual strong self; a better performance by Jones could have helped Trinidad pull out historic draw.
Noel – (4) Failed to contain Guardado who was not even having a good game. Coach Latappy could have easily replaced him with an orange practice cone and it would have not made much difference.
Yorke – (4)
The former Manchester United striker is now a shadow of the player he once was. The time has come for “the smiling assassin” to hang up his boots.
Edwards – (4) Seemed to lack faith in himself and was not as dangerous with the ball as he should have been.
Jorsling – (5) Virtually nonexistent in more than half-hour of action.
Spann – (5) Replaced Noel in the 71st minute and did a better job. Gave the Tricolor a few fits with his scrappy field play.
Baptiste – (5) Was non-factor in final 12 minutes as Mexico held the ball for most of that time.
I can't help but partially agree with the yorke comment.
