It’s entirely possible that some Mexico fans are still celebrating their CONCACAF Cup win over the United States that sent El Tri to the 2017 Confederations Cup, but now they have to start a new journey: qualifying for the World Cup. They have to do that with another new manager, as Ricardo Ferretti’s interim tenure is over and Juan Carlos Osorio has been hired as Mexico’s full time manager. With a new man in charge and a visit from El Salvador in a meaningful match, what can we expect from Mexico?
Mexico vs. El Salvador 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch World Cup qualifying
Mexico have a new manager and a new mission: qualify for the World Cup. How’s their first match on that journey going to go?
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Well, that’s the million dollar question that we don’t have much of an answer to right now. In theory, Mexico have great momentum right now, with several key players performing well for their clubs on top of two huge competitive victories in the Copa America and CONCACAF Cup. But Mexico changed managers after each of those wins, first because Miguel Herrera attacked a reporter, and then because Ferretti’s allotted time was up. Mexico should definitely beat El Salvador, but how they do it and how convincing the result is seems very much up in the air right now.
Key player -- Javier Hernandez (Mexico)
Chicharito is always a player who needs to be accounted for, but in a match like this he can become a true force to be reckoned with. He has an edge in athleticism and pace on El Salvador’s defense that he doesn’t normally enjoy, generally relying on a quick burst of acceleration and clever positioning instincts to get the job done. With those skills paired with a physical advantage, Hernandez could be outright lethal in this match.
Key factor -- What is Juan Carlos Osorio bringing to the table?
Osorio’s record is decidedly mixed, with some solid success in Colombia and a trip to the MLS Cup final with the New York Red Bulls interspersed with a terrible overall MLS record, seven forgettable games in charge of Pueblas, and a mediocre record with a talented São Paulo side in Brazil just before joining the Mexico national team.
The first Colombian ever to take charge of El Tri, Osorio does have a reputation for trying to play inventive football, but his teams rarely seem to accomplish his aims. This feels like a risky hire for Mexico, one with a pretty high upside, but also with an even higher risk factor. These early qualifying matches will tell a lot about how well suited Osorio is to the Mexico team -- and how much Mexico fans might wind up wishing that Tuca Ferretti had stuck around.
Match Date/Time: Friday, 9 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
TV: Univision Deportes, UniMas (U.S. - Spanish), Azteca 7, UnivisionTDN (Mexico), Canal 4 (El Salvador)
Online: FuboTV, Sling (U.S.)
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