Three thoughts plus one on Mexico

Silently but surely, Juan Osorio the man from Colombia is turning his work into positive results

The El Tri manager has made steps towards silencing all of his doubters with a performance of all-around class and justifying his perenially criticized work.

Still nothing has been achieved or won, as Sweden and South Korea are the next challenges for Professor Osorio’s El Tri. However, the man has delivered a historic win, lifting this nation’s morale to a high. The question does arise though; if Mexico overcomes this group, and reaches higher than the quarters, whether the federation will extend Osorio’s contract.

Europeanization delivers

Nine players in Mexico’s starting eleven are currently playing in several of Europe’s top rated leagues. That is bringing new levels of confidence which seem to be raising the bar for the Mexicans. Delivering only their second win in twelve games against Germany is proof of that.

Neither the discipline or the teamwork in this squad abated despite the expected strong rally of the German team. Suddenly this nation’s futbal team always seen as a diamond in the rough. is eyeing a possible and long overdue place among the elite.

Hirving Lozano bonus on the rise

The PSV Eindhoven prodigy with amazing technique was regularly beating the likes of Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos and Manuel Neuer and did so to score the lone goal for the win. Has he has grown in his game and overall confidence in the field? You bet he has!

If there is a continuation of his brilliant display with El Tri, maybe La Liga or Premiership squads will come looking for his services.

Plus One

Finally, Mexico’s National team is showing off why this sport is king in its homeland. Nothing is achieved yet but one obstacle is down and El Tri can now think about how to play their group foes Sweden and South Korea.  By winning their group and maybe extending their participation past the quarter-finals, this squad has all the elements to be there even as late as the semi-finals.

Their next match is against South Korea on June 23, at Rostov Arena, Rostov Oblast (2:00 PM ET/ 10:00 AM PT, Fox and Telemundo)