Adversity. Mexican goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez’s father passed away just days before the Tricolores’ game against Iran on Sunday. Sanchez flew home for his father’s funeral and then returned to lead Mexico, emotionally, to their victory. Sanchez has been a mainstay in goal for the Mexican team during the qualification stages and his presence was key to solidifying the team’s defensive effort.
Controversy. In the run up to the World Cup, Mexican coach Ricardo LaVolpe was loudly criticized for his selection of two foreign-born yet naturalized citizens: Antonio “Zinha” Naelson and Guillermo Franco. In order to play for a national team, a player must be a citizen of the country it is representing. However, critics were not happy with LaVolpe’s exclusion of two players born in Mexico. In fact, several factions were rallying for LaVolpe’s firing. LaVolpe is himself a foreigner having been a member of Argentina’s World Cup champions of 1978.
LaVolpe’s confidence in his foreign selections was vindicated three times in the opener. The first came with the head of Franco. Franco’s 28th-minute, flick-on header found its way to the back post and the foot of Omar Bravo. Bravo then deposited the ball in the Iranian net for Mexico’s first goal of the World Cup
LaVolpe’s brilliance as team manager was evident again as Zinha, born in Brazil, came in at halftime and had a foot on the last two Mexican goals. Zinha assisted on the second goal of the match and finished off Iran with a goal of his own in the 76th minute. On this day, the small but crafty midfielder, who matches his ball work with a solid work ethic, paid back LaVolpe for his confidence over the past two years.
Creativity. Omar Bravo was Mexico’s eagle against Iran. Like the quiet but keen eagle, Bravo soared over the penalty area waiting for his victim to be vulnerable. Capitalizing on Iran’s defensive lapses, Bravo exhibited the cool, calm and creative mentality required of the world’s top strikers. Bravo, who has played his entire professional career with Chivas of Guadalajara, relied on the striker mentality to find the back of the net twice for the Tricolores. Bravo’s performance was a surprise to many. During the run up to Germany, Bravo only appeared in four qualification matches, all as a substitute. However, in Mexico’s preparation games this year, Bravo was a consistent performer.
