Mexico vs. Bolivia
International Friendly
Tues., Sept. 9, 2014, 10 pm ET (UniMas, ESPN2)
Dick's Sporting Goods Park – Commerce City, Colorado
Miguel Herrera and "El Tri" want to make sure they give their fans in the United States something to celebrate after getting stuck in a 0-0 draw against Chile on Saturday. MLS striker Erick "El Cubo" Torres of Chivas USA will be charged with taking care of business in the attack.
CUBO'S FIRST START
Mexico has already announced that Torres will be given the start up top against Bolivia, where he'll be paired with Javier "El Chuletita" Orozco, who missed a couple of big chances against Chile.
It's an important trial for Torres, who could find himself in the running for more Mexican national team action in 2015. Herrera has revealed that he's looking to "form two teams" for next July's Copa America and Gold Cup.
"We need two national teams that are good and that are competitive," Herrera said, also indicating that Torres could feature in Mexico's youth squad for the Pan-American Games.
Torres headlines the youth movement Herrera will field against Bolivia. He'll have to do without veterans "Maza" Rodriguez and Giovani Dos Santos (left leg injury), who have already returned to their respective club sides. Meanwhile, midfielder Jose "El Gallito" Vazquez broke a finger in his left hand and will also miss out at DSG Park.
Mexico's new-look back line came away with the highest marks after shutting down Alexis Sanchez and Chile and based on Bolivia's lack of real offensive threats, they should get another boost of confidence on Tuesday.
Herrera announced his lineup 24 hours before the match
:
Mexico Lineup (5-3-2): GK Moisés Muñoz -- Rodolfo Pizarro, Hiram Mier, Luis Venegas, Hugo Ayala, Miguel Layún -- Antonio Ríos, Marco Fabián, Javier Aquino -- Javier Orozco, Érick Torres
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Reports in Bolivia claim that the match at DSG Park could be the last one for manager Xabier Azkargorta (or "El Bigoton" for his distinctive moustache) at the helm of Bolivia. The Bolivian federation will apparently be looking to take a new direction for the upcoming four-year cycle after Bolivia finished in penultimate position in the 2014 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings under Azkargorta.
La Verde (The Greens) carried over their poor qualifying form into the two-match September exhibition series, suffering a comprehensive 4-0 loss to Ecuador on Saturday in Florida. History doesn't bode well for a better result against Mexico. In the last meeting between the two countries in February 2010, Mexico trounced Bolivia 5-0.
Azkargorta, who famously guided Boliva to the 1994 World Cup, took over the reins of the national team for a second stint in 2012, but he could not repeat the feat of 20 years prior. Since taking over in this most recent stint, the squad has recorded a paltry 3-6-8 record. Azkargorta has been the interim manager since the end of 2014 qualifying last October.
"We are grateful to him because he stuck with us in difficult situations," said Bolivian federation secretary Alberto Lozada. "But under the circumstances, the FBF (federation) is obligated to look at other options."
Azkargorta experimented with players and formations against Ecuador and many expect Bolivia to resort to abandond the three-man back line for a more traditional a four-man set against Mexico.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Romel Quiñones -- Ronald Eguino, Ronald Raldes, Alejandro Meleán, Ramiro Ballivián -- Marvin Bejarano, Pedro Azogue, Raúl Castro, José Luis Chávez, Gualberto Mojica -- Carlos Saucedo.
