Mexico and Honduras are coming off very different but equally heartbreaking World Cup exits. Los Catrachos were among the weakest teams at the tournament and were a serious disappointment, while El Tri were surprisingly excellent before collapsing late against the Netherlands.
5 things to watch for in Mexico vs. Honduras
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Both teams failed to meet their own expectations, and did so while playing a lot of veteran players who will be well past their peak by the time the next set of World Cup qualifying matches rolls around. They’re both trying out lots of new players during this international break, and there will be serious opportunities for new players to break into both squads. They’re joined by some of the younger fixtures of their respective teams as well, so these are not entirely experimental friendlies.
Come next spring’s friendlies, Mexico and Honduras will be playing teams that look a lot like the ones that will compete for a trophy in the summer. But for now, their game is about new players trying to win their places and two managers trying to figure out how they fit in. Here are five things to watch for on Thursday night.
1. Are Mexico messing around with formations?
Miguel Herrera has played with a 3-5-2 formation or some variation for the duration of his tenure as Mexico boss. It was also what he used to win a league title with Club America. Nailing down one formation was a good idea for a team that was in dire straits and in need of an instant turnaround when he took over, but El Tri can be more ambitious going forward. Hererra has talked about wanting to have other tactical options, and this squad suggests he might try something new.
There's personnel here to roll with Mexico's usual 3-5-2, sure, but they could bust out a couple of different back four formations as well. Without a true libero like Rafa Marquez in the team, a back four might suit this team better.
2. Are their youngsters getting a chance?
Even the players in this squad that are in their mid-20s are relatively inexperienced, but there’s some serious youth that could become the future stars of the Mexican national team. Specifically, central midfielders Javier Guemez and Rodolfo Pizarro, along with forwards ‘Cubo’ Erick Torres and Arturo Gonzalez.
Oribe Peralta is already 30, while Hector Herrera is the only nailed-on starter going forward in Mexico's midfield. Their veterans might carry them through the 2015 Gold Cup and 2016 Copa America, but come the 2017 Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying, El Tri's going to need some new blood in those two positions. Some more talented kids are obviously going to pop up, but those four have a real opportunity here. Keep an eye on them if they're given a chance to play.
3. How sharp is Hugo Ayala?
Back in 2012, Ayala was Mexico’s most promising central defender, dominating at the Olympics and picking up a handful of senior team caps. Then he suffered a bad knee injury and hasn’t been the same since. He’s played well enough with Tigres recently to get back into the team, but that doesn’t mean he’s as good as the 25-year-old version of himself. If he is, Mexico could have an important position locked down through the next World Cup.
4. Is there anything different about Honduras? At all?
Honduras has gone through plenty of managers, but pretty minimal changes tactically and stylistically over the last decade. They’re technically proficient, but not excellent, and certainly not flashy. Whether they line up in a 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or something else -- and it’s been a back four more often than not -- they’re very physical above all else.
New coach Hernán Medford has favored a back three and could introduce it, though the team he’s called in suggests he’ll be sticking with a four-man defense for the time being. He could also get Honduras to play a little more stylishly ... but don’t hold your breath.
5. Who’s starting in defense?
If Maynor Figueroa, Víctor Bernárdez and Emilio Izaguirre are still getting called in while other veteran players get left at home, they’re probably still first choice for Medford. But beyond that, another spot is likely up for grabs, presumably at right back. All four of the other defenders in the Honduras squad are capable of playing at right back. Who gets to play and how well they play is going to be important for them going forward.
Here’s all the essential info about how to catch the game.
Match date/time: Thursday, 9 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Víctor Manuel Reyna, Chiapas, Mexico
TV: ESPN2 (U.S. - English), UniMas (U.S. - Spanish), Azteca 7 (Mexico)
Online: WatchESPN (U.S. - English), Univision Deportes en vivo (U.S. - Spanish)
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