People will probably talk about Mexico’s structure, their 5-4-1, their discipline without the ball, and how organized they were against S Korea. And they should, because out of possession, Mexico were excellent. Maybe the best I have seen them look in a long time. It was pragmatic. It was clear. They protected the middle, gave S Korea a lot of possession without much penetration, and as a case study in defensive organization, it was really good.
But with the ball, it was painful. And that is the bigger idea. Mexico showed that defensive organization can keep you alive, but only brave first actions can let you play. The problem wasn’t just tactics. It was bravery. And I don’t mean bravery as “wanting it more.” I mean bravery as a specific football action. Can you receive and face forward? Can you drive at the next defender? Can you break the press with the first action after receiving?
Because that was the difference. When Mexico tried to build, S Korea forced them wide. Over and over again, Mexico would receive in the wide area facing backwards, and then either go back, lump it forward, or play some hopeless driven pass into the middle. Once the receiver’s first action was backwards, the possession was basically already dying. S Korea did not have to retreat or make a difficult decision. They could stay comfortable, keep Mexico in front of them, and wait for the next reset.
Compare that to England or Argentina. England had deep players who could start high and come back to the ball. They had players around the ball. They had players threatening behind. They created gaps on purpose so players could arrive when needed, or go when they could break it. And when England received, so many of their first touches went forward. Every touch seemed to put the defender on their heels a little bit. That is what Mexico didn’t have enough of.
The moments Mexico looked good were the moments where the first action was forward. Gallardo receives, takes two touches, and breaks the press. Brian Gutierrez receives and is able to break pressure. A player drives forward, and suddenly the whole situation changes. That is the moment. Not the formation. Not the possession percentage. The moment is: can the player receive and turn a safe possession into a threatening one?
That is why this matters beyond Mexico. A lot of teams are organized. A lot of teams can defend space, protect the middle, and survive for long stretches without the ball. But the next tier is having players who can turn structure into threat. Players who can receive under pressure and make the opponent defend them. Players who can take the first touch that changes the whole picture of the game.
Mexico defended like a serious team. But they did not attack with enough courage. And that is the difference between surviving the game and controlling it. Defensive organization can keep you alive. But if you want to actually play, someone has to receive, face forward, and make the opponent defend.
6 meses sin sacar música y POR FIN, próxima semana sale el 1er sencillo de mi EP acústico “apagado.”
6 rolitas que tratan de lo bonito y lo triste que puedes vivir en una relación
Saldrá 1 rolita por semana :)
Y a ti que estás leyendo esto…
Tqm ❤️🫶
“apagado.” 10/08
@jlopezaguirre@UPMexico Excelente!!! me ayudo a confirmas conceptos e ideas acerca de las redes sociales y las sociodigitales. Gran equipo con @AnaPauPineda2
📣🚨 SORTEO FOOTBALL MANAGER 2023.
Los amigos de @FMSpain me han dado un código para Steam y quiero sortearlo con vosotros. Sólo hay dos requisitos:
1. Responded a este tweet diciéndome los tres jugadores jóvenes que la van a romper de aquí a 5 años.
2. Retweet.
Eso es todo.