Game 7 : Cruz Azul home

Pumas v Cruz Azul
CU
25th February 2007

Video Highlights
Video Complete Jornada Pumas at 8m44s

Another game of two halves, in which Pumas faded again. Despite looking clearly the better team for the first half and going into the second half, our inability to bag left us deeply frustrated. The Frenchmen threw his Pumas cap onto the pitch at final whistle, with very Gallic contempt. We all knew how he felt.

It seems Chupa Lopez is now injured, so Scocco and Palencia, newly recalled to the national squad, played up front, no surprises elsewhere. Cruz Azul are clearly a team of some quality, but have been shaky of late, and their star Cesar “Chelito” Delgado was making his first start following an injury.

We started brightly, and I felt that for long periods we were playing better than we have all season. We needed both Leandro and Sancho to take control of the midfield. Sancho showed his intentions early doors by going right through Torrado. Torrado is a talented player but a lot of petulance has crept into his game, so I enjoyed this tackle. He had a good game in the end, and I would say that it finished honours even overall in this little battle.

It was, in fact, quite a bad tempered affair, I don’t think I have seen Parjita so riled, especially by Chavez, I think they were making lots of niggardly fouls on our iconic winger, and he was not at all happy, squaring up on at least two occasions.

Their goal came from a foul by Parejita on Chelito, which has been described as “childish”, and the Argentinean international certainly made the most of it, flying through the air. From the resulting free kick down by the corner flag, Israel Lopez pinged in a cross, Huiqui fouled Bernal, allowing Sabah to pop up with his fourth goal of the season.

It was frustrating to lose a goal to so clear a foul, especially as the ref, Archundia, is clearly the best in Mexico, and one of the top referees in world football. That said, however, we won’t win if we don’t disturb the onion bag. They had two chances, the other well saved by Bernal, we had countless, and forced a few saves, but not much else. In the first half it seemed that no one had the ganas to score, always doing too much, and no one taking on shooting responsibilities. I do remember a decent over head kick from Scocco, and a very well saved looping downward header. Although we should have been 3-0 up at half time, not 1-0 down, I was not too concerned: we were well on top.

The introduction of Gonzalez, playing on the left in place of Chiapas, at half time was inspired. He has come back looking fit and in good touch – his first touch superb, and once again causing all sorts of problems for their defence. He did, however, head and shoot over the bar in decent situations. As the half wore on, however, Cruz Azul began to look more and more assured. Tuca made a change, but it was too early and wrong.

I wonder if Pareja’s frustration led Tuca to switch him to the left, but it was clearly a mistake. He brought Scocco off (I felt he had offered more than Paco), and brought Íñiguez on, and put him on the right, moving Gonzalez to the centre. From this point on you knew we were not going to score. Not only was Íñiguez awful, but both Pareja and Gonzalez, who had been having excellent games, faded completely, Íñiguez has said he wants to leave Pumas, for me it can’t be quick enough. We tried to offload him at Christmas, but no one wanted him. He had a great impact v Santos, but was rotten today.

So a disappointing loss to a good team. Although we looked good for long periods, and solid at the back against a dangerous opponent we need to rediscover the goal, and we need to defend those set pieces better – and make better use of ours.

Ratings:-
Bernal – 7 – again not much to do, some blame him for goal, but as he was fouled, that’s harsh

Velarde – 7 – more himself, in defence and attack thought he lost his post for the goal
Pikolin – 7 – was looking forward to a duel v Borgetti, but he didn’t come on. Solid, some fine work winning the ball, and good tracking
Veron – 7 – will be Mexican in April
Castro – 8 – MOM – his assurance, and composure was great today – maybe should have been more incisive in attack

Parejita – 8 – silly foul, and allowed himself to get annoyed, but once again the one showing most garra
Sancho – 8 – ballsy
Leandro – 7 – had a good game, but shots off today, and sometimes lacking ideas, set pieces not good
Chiapas – 6 – about what we now expect, although he did have a decent shot when it seemed no one wanted to try. (subbed half time)

Palencia – 6 – really disappointed by him today (subbed 84 mins)
Scocco – 7 – shooting also not in range, but was up for it, and showed some flashes of great skill (subbed 64 mins)

Subs:-
Gonzalez – 7 – half time – thought he did very well when he came on, but should have done better with a couple of chances
Íñiguez – 4 – 64 mins – just awful. Nothing on offer at all
Solis – 5 – 84 mins – too little time, and didn’t do much

DT
Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti – 7 – good line up, good ideas, all going well, but hasn’t explained adequately to the lads what the big square net-like thing is for. Second sub was the wrong change, and at the wrong time.

Cards.-
Pumas
Velarde – 6 mins
Parejita – 15 mins – I think the dive got him the card
Sancho – 68 mins – he was always going to get booked today
Veron – 77 mins

Cruz Azul
Vilchez – 19 mins – Cruz Azul very lucky to have only one card

Goal:-
0-1 – 15 mins – Israel Lopez took a free kick from the right wing, Miguel Sabah anticipated Bernal’s run, and scored off his bonce in the six yard box – Bernal having been brought down illegally by Huiqui

Crowd:-
55,000 – good turnout, and lots of Cruz Azul, who remained pretty much silent throughout, oddly

Elswhere in Mexico:-
Haven’t seen anything, so not sure what went on, but San Luis, Tigres and Queretaro all won. However, Tecos (3-4 vs Pachuca) and Santos both lost. Toluca also lost, which gives them 6 draws and a loss this season. A regular goal fiesta in Queretaro, whose fans had only seen 2 goals all season, suddenly got to see three vs Monterrey.

Pumas Morelos
Away at Indios de Cuidad Juárez, they got a one all draw, leaving them 8th in Group 2. Next week at home to Lobos BUAP, who the full team beat 2-0 in a pre-season friendly, both goals from Chupa Lopez.

Internationals:-
Paco Palencia has been called up to the national squad, along with Israel Castro and Sergio Bernal, for the Wednesday night friendly vs Venezuela. Jared Borgetti not there, so I think we will see Paco playing, although on the evidence of this season, if Hugo really thinks Paco is the answer to his goal-scoring problems….. well….

The Mexico under-20 team won two games, vs St Kitts & Nevis and Jamaica both 2-0, and drew 1-1 with Costa Rica. Our lad Hector Moreno played the full games for the first two, but came off after 30 mins in the last – not sure if this was owing to injury. This means that the “golden generation” of Mexican footballers, who won the under-17 World Cup are now qualified for the Under-20 World Cup in Canada.

Descenso:-
Down to 4th in group, and the relegation is thus:-
11th 1.2717 Veracruz 117 in 92
12th 1.2609 Atlante 116 in 92
13th 1.2500 Tigres 115 in 92
14th 1.2283 Tecos 113 in 92
15th 1.2283 UNAM 113 in 92
16th 1.2241 San Luis 71 in 58
17th 1.0833 Queretaro 26 in 24
18th 1.0543 Santos 97 in 92

Next Up:-
Saturday 3th March away at Monterrey. They have many problems at the moment, and last season we brushed them aside with an Ariel Gonzalez inspired display. Cyril and I were planning a night bus there – night bus home trip for this game (12 hours each way), but work got in the way of that plan…

Game 6: Pachuca away

Pachuca v Pumas
Estadio Hidalgo
17th February 2007

Video Highlights
All goals, Pumas at 1m 17s

A good away point against a fine team, in an interesting game, in very cold conditions. We came away with lots of positives, and probably a cold to boot.

An unusual ground, set within excavated rocks to underline the mining history in this town, and a very cold one. Sitting in the very hot sun in the square, we took a 20 minute cab ride to the ground, to be astounded by the cold. At kick off the thermometer showed 2oC. With the wind, it was genuinely cold.

However a few things made us forget the cold, firstly, beers served in litres for only 40 pesos, and secondly the lads warmed up near us. I shouted to Pikolin a few times, and eventually he looked up to wave, and saw us waving back. By now I was very happy, and even the fact that you could not buy Cornish pasties inside the ground could not bring me down.

To top it all, Pumas started brightly. Chispa Velarde restored at left back, and Paco and Chupa starting up front we looked much more our old selves. Very solid at the back, Leandro and Sancho finally performing in the centre, Pareja looking lively, and our passing better than for ages. As John put it, “crisp and accurate”. This is, however, a good team, and at home, and Bernal had to pull off two top draw saves to keep us in it. Chupa found himself deep in the box early on, but tried to do too much himself, and wouldn’t pass to the free Palencia, so it came to nothing.

Second half we weren’t quite as assured, but still held on comfortably, Pachuca have made a bit of a habit of scoring late on these days, and they had a good chance in injury time, which happily went well wide. I felt a challenge on Velarde in the box merited a penalty, but I received two texts within seconds of the incident. Tricky and John watching on the telly, Trick said “not a pen”, and John said “stone-cold penalty”. Overall the ref had a good game, got a couple of things wrong, but his carding was spot on.

The Pumas subs were warming up just by us, and I managed to get a half-hearted wave out of Scocco, although he didn’t see me. About ten minutes after I felt the Chupa-for-Scocco switch was needed it happened. Scocco had one decent run into the box, but that was about it. Finished nil all, but remember they made us look rubbish at CU last term, so I am happy with the result – and overall much happier with the performance.

Ratings:-
Bernal – 8 – assured throughout plus two outstanding saves.

Velarde – 7 – much more himself
Veron – 8 – super assured
Pikolin – 8 – extra point for waving at me – honestly Ken, he is massive
Castro – 8 – just so unruffled, so understated and so reliable

Chiapas – 7 – slightly better again
Sancho – 8 – MOM – this is how he should be playing, running it, stamping himself on the game
Leandro – 8 – started a bit off, but soon got back to himself, much better passing overall
Parejita – 8 – always in it, as per usual

Palencia – 6 – have to say a little anonymous today - or maybe it was the three litres of beer I drank...
Chupa – 7 – decent enough game, could have done better on many occasions (subbed off 76 mins)

Subs:-
Scocco – 7 – one decent run, but up for it

DT:-
Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti – 8 – somehow has got his boys to play as he wants at last, but still big big worries up front, seem to lack ideas completely. Only one sub, but only one was needed, I felt it was a little late, but there you are. Also wise enough to realise that the game was getting away from us as the second half went on, and didn’t go too attacking.

Pasties:-
Meat and Potato – 10 – the classic done to perfection, very good pastry, spud-to-meat ratio perfect and just enough chile to remind you that you are still in Mexico
Sausage and Cheese – 9 – also superb, felt they were trying to do too much however, with the mustard, ketchup, cheese, chile etc
Rice Pudding - 1 - the product of a deranged mind
Chicken – 8 – was advised by the Frenchman that these were top notch, but not strictly authentic for my tastes

Cards:-
Chupa - 9 mins – if I remember rightly this was the foul which I thought was fine, Richard thought wasn’t a foul, and John thought could have been a straight red. Go know.
Mosquerra – 77 mins
Lopez, L – 83 mins

Crowd:-
25,000 – and in good voice on both sides, probably trying to keep warm

Elsewhere in Mexico:-
Certainly turning into a draw festival, this season, another five draws this time. Toluca getting their 6th in six games, 2 all against America. Queretaro forced a nil all at Cruz Azul, which means they have scored none, and conceded only 2 in six games. Monterrey must have thought they’d won, at two nil up, including a goal bouncing from the underside of the bar, which did not actually enter the goal. However, Necaxa scored two in the last six minutes to get a draw. On Sunday Santos got another penalty. And drew one each with Tecos. Veracruz’s new manager, Carlos Barra, got off to a winning start beating San Luis 2-1, a different Victorino (Maurcio) scoring one of the goals. Jaguares beat Morelia, which must be seen as an upset at the moment, Atlas back to form, beating Tigres 2-0. The other winners were Chivas, brushing aside Atlante 3-0 in the Azteca. And guess who played, and missed exactly no games for Chivas? Yep, Bofo…..

Pumas Morelos:-
Unfortunately all the cunning tricks and traps we set for the Road Runners backfired on us, and we lost. Pumas Morelos 0 Correcaminos 2.

Group:-
We stay third in the group, after six:-
1st America 10pts +6gd
2nd Monarcas 10pts +5
3rd Pumas 9pts +2
4th Tigres 8pts -1
5th Toluca 6pt 0
6th Santos 2pts -4

Next Up:-
Big game at CU, Sunday midday, we are entertaining Cruz Azul. They have not quite been themselves lately, and we did them at their place last term, but our defence is going to have to be on top form, and our attack needs to do much more.

Game 5: Santos home

Pumas v Santos
CU
14th February 2007

Video Highlights
goals from all matches, this game at 2m12s

A game of two halves, it is also a game which will be remembered for putting the descenso fears behind us. Whilst still possible for us to go down, we have put ourselves clear of Santos by 16 points. With 12 games left, I really think we can breathe easier, and maybe concentrate more on winning the league. We have to sharpen up a lot if this is to be a genuine ambition.

A little surprised, but pleased, to see Bernal back, the other changes from Sunday were less surprising: Chupa starting in place of Scocco and Espinosa in at left back for the oddly under-performing Velarde.

Very depressed to report that we were just hopeless first half, once again Leandro and Sancho failing to make an impact in the midfield, we couldn’t get the ball, and we couldn’t hold onto it. After about 20 minutes or so Santos were looking a little dangerous, and when Ludueña made a run into the box you felt he was going to score. This Argentinean was part of an exchange deal with Tecos at Christmas, Tecos getting Pony Ruiz. He looks very dangerous, and was a little surprised that one of the bigger teams here (or abroad) didn’t come in for him, although Santos pay lots. Anyway, Sancho hung his leg out in the box (again), Ludueña went down, and the (slightly officious) ref had no doubt in awarding Santos their second penalty in two games – this one, at least, was justified.

The penalty was taken twice, following encroachment, but was scored on both occasions, 1-0 down, and really offering nothing, which was a great shame. However ten minutes later, and seemingly out of nowhere, Chupa did well to chase down a ball deep left, spun on a six pence and knocked in a decent cross. Parejita started his run from outside the box, shoulder to shoulder, but was like a man possessed, got there first and headed powerfully passed Mexico’s number one, Oswaldo Sanchez. Pareja was clearly our best attacking player this first half, he even skinned the left back early doors, and once again his passion, heart and determination had got us out of trouble.

We came out so much better second half. Really started doing all the things we haven’t been – controlling the game, holding onto the ball etc. Was enjoyable to watch, but once again, beginning to wonder where a goal might come from. About 20 minutes into the second half a rather bad tempered incident led to Ortiz being sent off. Unlike Sunday this galvanized us and shook them, immediately Tuca upped the pressure by taking Chiapas off for Scocco. Santos just attempted to bunker, and we had a host of chances. Pikolin forcing an excellent save, Scocco somehow emerging from a scrum in the box to hit a fine shot wide.

Sit down before you read this: The biggest impact of the night was Íñiguez coming on (for Chupa) – he was electric. Following a fine run down the wing he put in a nasty low cross, which Rodriguez, under intense pressure from Palencia, just managed to get a foot to first, only to turn it into his own net. Following this Paco hit the post from a fine effort turning in the box, and Scocco had Sanchez beaten all ends up and hit the bar from fully ten yards deeper than his goal v Tigres.

I think from now on Tuca will only use Scocco as a sub, and if Ailton is not fit Íniguez will start ahead of Chiapas.

A good, important win, maybe a bit fortuitous to go into the break on terms, but deserved on the second half showing, Santos offered nothing, and seemed desperate to hang onto the draw. A nice lift before a tricky away trip to Pachuca, hopefully the lads will have to confidence to play for a full 90 this weekend.

Ratings:- from Tricky
Bernal – 6 – nice to see him back, but nothing to do

Castro – 8 – very controlled
Pikolin – 7 – another good performance, remember great strong tackle on edge of box, followed by a good run. Also good effort at goal well saved
Veron – 8 – once again running a tight ship at the back
Espinosa – 7 – this young man seems to be able to play anywhere (subbed off 90 mins)

Sancho – 6 – second match he has dived in recklessly in the box, better second half.
Leandro – 6 – first half anonymous, maybe a 4, but second half much more assured, and actually taking control, a couple of decent long shots
Chiapas – 6 – well its all good experience for him, I felt he has improved slightly every game, but still not all that (subbed off 70 mins)
Parejita – 8 – MOM – great goal and hard work. Also started the incident which led to the red card

Palencia – 6 – hard work and one good shot, but not enough - doesn’t hustle enough
Chupa – 7 – great cross for goal, but also doesn’t hustle enough, with these two up front, their defence can be too comfortable (subbed off 78 mins)

Subs:-
Scocco – 7 – 70 mins – always trying to go round too many still, but handful in box, and a wonderful long shot
Íñiguez – 8 – 78 mins – finally looked dangerous. Definitely had that extra spark we needed to finally break them down
Velarde – 6 – 90 mins – probably shouldn’t give a score, too little time. Hope he gets it back

DT
Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti – 8 – great half time turn about, and attacked with Íñiguez at exactly right time. Scocco sub perfectly timed, also.

Cards:-
About 25 for each team, I think.

Goals:-
0-1 – 26 mins – Ludueña’s good work paid off as Sancho left his foot in. Juan Pablo Rodriguez stepped up and made no mistake – both times
1-1 – 31 mins – fine turn and cross from Chupa Lopez, met strongly, bravely and very well by José Luis “Parejita” López Monroy
2-1 – 83 mins – great run by Íñiguez, low hard cross into the box met by Rafael Alejandro Figueroa for an own goal

Crowd:-
30,000 – including me, in the end!

Elsewhere in Mexico:-
Toluca v Tecos and Queretaro v Pachuca both finished goalless, Toluca now have five draws in 5 games this season, and Los “Gallos Blancos” of Queretaro have still not scored, playing out 4 nil-all draws, and losing 2-0 once. In our group Morelia, America and Tigres all won, 5-0 v Veracruz, 4-1 v Jaguares, and 1-0 v Atlante respectively. Losing to Veracruz really was silly. San Luis got a great result for them, beating Atlas 1-0. Cruz Azul played well to beat Necaxa 2-0 away, In a game with 4 red cards, 3 for Necaxa. Cruz Azul had a penalty late on, and tried the old one-two, and as so often happens ended up looking stupid. Israel Lopez played the ball square for Nuñez, who came in and shot straight at the keeper who saved it. As Nuñex had also made his run through the arc, the ref gave an indirect free kick against them. When will people learn? Also, an odd statistic, so far this season 6 penalties have been scored, and 6 missed. Anyone know what we should read into this?

Pumas Morelos:-
They had their “double round” last week, so nothing to tell. Except that in Saturday they play hosts to Correcaminos – The Road Runners…. beep beep!!

Group and Descenso:-
With all those teams winning, we stay third in group. And in the descenso the irony is we have gone down, but feel more secure, bottom 8 this week:-

1.2857 San Luis 72 from 56
1.2778 Atlante 115 from 90
1.2667 Veracruz 114 from 90
1.2444 Tecos 112 from 90
1.2444 PUMAS 112 from 90
1.2444 Tigres 112 from 90
1.0667 Santos 96 from 90
1.0000 Queretaro 22 from 22

Both those bottom two are low on the under 21 rule, I would go for Santos to go down now.

Next Up:-
Off to the Estadio Hidalgo on Saturday 7pm for Pachuca. Last season they were our worst showing, but we were a bit unlucky to go out to them in the play-offs, where there was a bit of trouble. I hope we can get in.

Game 4: Toluca away

Toluca v Pumas
Estadio Nemesio Díez Riega
11th February 2007

Full Jornada Pumas at 8 mins 30 secs and terrible penalty decision at 7 mins 40 secs
Palencia goal

Reasonably content with the result, but disappointed with the performance. Toluca are a real bogey team for us in recent years, and it is never easy to come here,. So to walk away with a point should be satisfying, but we were given the breaks needed to win a game like this, and frittered them away.

Bernal, Gonzalez and Ailton still out, so Ro-Ro in goal, Velarde back at left-back, Castro at right back with Pikolin and Veron in the centre. In midfield Sancho and Leandro in the middle, with Parejita and Chiapas on the wings. Scocco and Palencia up front. This could develop into an interesting partnership, although today we saw little.

The first five minutes or so looked messy with never team really looking in control. The referee booked Castro and Viades in the first ten minutes, and he seemed a little officious, and prone to glaring errors. I felt we should be able to take control of this game, but did not, and just when I was thinking it was headed nowhere Palencia miss-controlled a cross from Castro, which went over his shoulder and into the net, looked a great goal but probably with very little intent.

We had looked solid as always at the back, so although unable to hold onto the ball, you felt this could be our day. On 41 minutes the ref blew up for a foul on Pareja by Viades, and then seemed to book him for chat, a second yellow causing big protests, followed almost immediately by the expulsion of America “Tolo” Gallego, the Toluca manager (although you could see his head poking out of the tunnel givng orders throughout the game). Around this time you felt the ref had lost it a bit.

So going in at half time, very happy, one nil up, against ten men. We just needed to get hold of the ball and keep some possession, try and wear them down. No changes, I was surprised, I would have taken Scocco off in the break, and maybe Chiapas and/or Velarde.

We came out, as so often, doing exactly nothing. I don’t think we could go as far as to call it “sitting on it” even, and you felt it coming, Ro-ro made an excellent save, and we defended the resulting corner very badly to make it one each. It is so disappointing, because there really was no need for this. Tuca reacted by bringing on Alex Diego for Jehu Chiapas, thus moving Leandro to the left, Diego sitting in the middle. This did not really help.

Ten minutes later Chupa came on for Scocco, and almost his first touch was a shot from outside the area which snuck into the bottom right corner to regain us the lead. Once again you hoped we would calm it down and hold onto the ball, but instead we panicked. Ro-ro’s inept attempt to control a simple ball, and nearly put it in the net was indicative of our overall concentration.

About ten minutes from time, still at 2-1 up we were pushing forward again, Velarde was easily shaken off the ball, and this put Vincente Sanchez through who very coolly made sure of the draw. I felt they could easily score again, Tuca obviously felt differently, as he continued to push for a winner, even sending Pikolin up. The introduction of Íñiguez is usually the sign of the end of goals, and so it proved, although we probably enjoyed our best period of the second half whilst he was on – we finally started playing with a couple of minutes on the clock.

All in all it was our complete inability to hold onto the ball which cost us the full points today. We simply could not dictate the game, even with them down to ten men. Passes came too late, and far to inaccurate all day, and usually strong assured players were being shaken off the ball. Ultimately we earned a point from two fine strikes from nowhere and overall good defending – I blame losing the lead twice more on what happened in the middle of the park. But we really should have grasped the opportunity that those fine goals, and the red card, gave us.

Ratings:-
Rodriguez – 7 – OK, that one heart-in-mouth moment aside, a couple of good saves, and controlled his defence well, and showed bravery

Velarde – 6 - really disappointing again, positionally a bit worrying, not as assured on the ball as before, and passes going astray
Veron – 8 – MOM - really solid again, so unruffled in the danger area. But also should have done better on first goal (see picture)
Pikolin – 7 – overall another good performance, but has to take a large share of blame for first goal, and not really sure where he was for second.
Castro – 7 – decent game, good ball for first goal

Parejita – 7 – high work rate again, crossing not up there today, and also lost the ball often (subbed off 82 mins)
Leandro – 6 – lost the ball far too often, didn’t win it often enough. failed to stamp himself on this game
Sancho – 5 – failed to really force himself on this game, especially as captain and midfield general there were many times we needed him to step up, put a foot on it, and grab the game
Chiapas – 6 – still out of his depth a tad (subbed off 56 mins)

Scocco – 5 – not working at all today, they closed him down a lot, but still wanted to go it alone even with three men standing on him, and an easy out-let unmarked (subbed off 63 mins)
Palencia – 7 – lovely goal, good workrate no understanding with Scocco and others Looking more and more the deal each week, however.

Subs:-
Diego – 6 – 56 mins – you have to say his introduction did not help us take more control
Chupa Lopez – 7 – 63 mins – maybe should have come on earlier, fantastic goal, worked a bit but didn’t really do much else
Íñiguez – 6 – 82 mins – one decent run, and helped us put them under a little pressure late on

DT
Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti – 6 – failed to get his vision onto the pitch today. Maybe didn’t have lots of options, but didn’t seem to use his subs that effectively, Will, I hope, be disappointed.

Cards:-
Toluca
5 mins – Viades – strongish tackle
15 mins – Morales – bleating and moaning to the linesman about a fairly run of the mill, and accurate decision against them
41 mins – RED – Viades – second yellow, this time for chat. His second surname is Slim, anyone know if he is related to Carlos?
42 mins – RED – Tolo Gallego – the manager, he seemed annoyed but nothing much at all

Pumas
8 mins – Castro
38 mins – Leandro – for complaining about a a corner being given when it was very obviously kicked out by a Toluca player
76 mins – Veron – looked a hard tackle, but he played the ball

Goals:-
0-1 – 26 mins – A central pass from Castro was met by Juan Francisco Palencia who appeared to be trying to control it with his right foot, to turn on it, but the control went over his shoulder, and beat the diving Cristante easily
1-1 – 53 mins – A corner coming from a fine Roro save was taken by Ponce, and Paulo Da Silva came flying in at top speed, and unchallenged to head home
1-2 – 63 mins – on edge of box Ariel “El Chupa” Lopez turned pushed it ahead and fired back across the goal, beautiful placement rather than real power taking it home.
2-2 - 81 mins – Velarde had ball stolen off him, it was passed to release Vicente Sanchez, he cut out side of Parejita, then inside Sancho charging at full speed, and rocketed it passed Roro.

Crowd:-
21,000 (with 3,000 Pumas) - Despite warnings to the contrary Pumas fans were allowed in, and there seemed to be no problems, in fact all games went off this weekend trouble-free

Elsewhere in Mexico:-
Probably the pick of the games this weekend were Cruz Azul 1 - Chivas 2 and Veracruz 2 - America 4. Bofo, after being poor with the national team, had a good game, and was openly annoyed about being taken off. Victorino continues to look bright for Veracruz setting one up and scoring the other. This was a much needed result for America:- what with the Mexican debacle and everything, Blanco had lost 4 games in 12 days! There were three one all draws, the game between Jaguares and Tecos, Pachuca and Necaxa and Tigres and San Luis. Atlante and Atlas both got good two – nil wins, against Monterrey and Morelia respectively. In the bottom of the table clash between Santos and Queretaro a nil all draw was played out, with a red card each. Santos must be wondering if they are cursed, as Vicente Matias missed a 88 minute penalty. This penalty has been described as “incomprehensible”, and considered one of the worst decisions by a Mexican ref in recent times. Must be awful, then. Bruno Marioni made his debut for Boca Juniors, he came on for 15 minutes in the 4-0 away win at Banfield, and got booked.

Pumas Morelos:-
A double jornada, on Wednesday night they beat Atlético Mexiquense 2-1, both goals from Pablo Bonells, and on Sunday afternoon away to Club Tijuana another win, 2-1. Quite an exciting one by the sounds of it, we were 1-0 down, and then one "Sinhue Daniel Jaramillo Serrano" scored on the 87th minute, and Oscar Alanis scored the winner two minutes later. This Jaramillo has been knocking around a few clubs in Primera "A" for a few years, not getting many games - lets hope this goal helps him secure a place. These wins take them up to 5th in the group, I think.

Descenso and Group:-
Santos pick up their first point of the season, but still in deep trouble.
Group 3:-
1st Morelia 7pts +1
2nd America 6pts +3
3rd PUMAS 5 pts +1
4th Tigres 5pts 0
5th Toluca 4pts 0
6th Santos 1 pt -3

Relegation bottom 6:-
1.2472 Tecos 111 points from 89 games
1.2247 PUMAS 109 points from 89 games
1.2247 Tigres 109 points from 89 games
1.1818 San Luis 65 points from 55 games
1.0787 Santos 96 points from 89 games
1.0000 Queretaro 21 points from 21 games

Next Up:-
A double jornada for us, we entertain relegation strugglers Santos on Wednesday night 8.30pm at CU. After our draws they stay at 13 points behind us, so an important game for us to keep that margin open. Then on Saturday evening we are away at Pachuca.

Game 3: Jaguares home

Pumas v Jaguares
4th February 2007
CU

Video Highlights - Pumas at 8 mins 19 secs

A solid, concentrated “back to basics” performance saw Pumas pick up their first victory of this Clausura 2007. Jaguares were reasonably well organised at the back, and we just closed them off completely in attack, but overall they did not really turn up.

Tuca’s pre match worries were the uncharacteristic slip in concentration of last week, along with a growing injury list – Ariel Gonzalez, Ignacio Socco and Ailton Da Silva we knew, I believe that Chupa was not 100% and Velarde not even making the bench today also suggests a problem. On top of this on Thursday Sergio Bernal sprained his left ankle, not only missing this game, but also his trip to Phoenix with national team – rotten luck for him. But by the end of today’s game Tuca had much more to be happy about.

In the end Chupa Lopez played, and much as it pains me to say so, had a decent game, and was whipped off when he started to fade. We had Fernando Espinosa in at left back and Jehu Chiapas on left wing – Ailton went as far to say that his enthusiasm to help Pumas led to an error of judgement, and he should not have played v Veracruz. So a little odd on the left, but Jehu had a better game, and Espinosa did well. On the right Parejita had an excellent game, and Castro his usual dependable self.

For me, however, we really controlled the centre. I think Veron and Pikolin especially were exceptional today, and I am really looking forward to seeing the Leandro/Sancho central partnership blossom, as I believe it can. Paco was decent enough, quite deepish again, and still not sharp enough in the box – he so often does the hard work then messes up. I actually saw Chupa run today, he had some work rate for once, and took his goal very well.

So despite almost all the possession and controlling the game all the first half, I was getting increasingly concerned about failing in the last third, felt it could slip away at any time. Eventually, however, not long before the break Espinosa, having a good game at left-back, whipped in a long and teasing cross, which was met by Chupa unmarked far post, who headed home well. During the break I was heard to remark that there was “no way back” for Jaguares. Happily I was proven correct.

After Veracruz it was a little disheartening to see how we seemed to drift and lose the control of the game for long periods of the game second half, but we were so sound at the back today it never seemed a big problem. Just found ourselves wishing that someone would take control.

And then further good news for Pumas, when Scocco came on for a run out following his injury. Jaguares were pushing forward at this point, so there were gaps at the back, but Scocco’s first play took him passed a couple of defenders followed by a decent shot. All in all he looked fit and very very good. All good news.

On 80 minutes Castro put in an over-long cross which Jehu Chiapas did very well to get to and head back across the goal, Parejita seemed to have an age to get to it, showed his awareness and intelligence by not attempted a shot from a tight angle. Instead he headed back to Scocco who had found himself space on the penalty spot, and he buried it. Great return. He has a couple more fine runs, each time opting to go alone than pass, but as it was late on and we were cruising, we did not mind this.

So an afternoon of returns – Chupa and RoRo in starting line-up, Scocco’s timely return to fitness, Pumas return to careful, probing, possession, controlled football. And most importantly a return of winning ways.

Ratings:-
RoRo – 7 – really not much to do, looked more or less in control, one flap

Espinosa – 7 – good solid game at left-back, lovely cross for first goal
Veron – 8 – he really is so good, no worries here, also he came close from corner.
Pikolin – 9 – MOM - superb at the back, real handful in box at set pieces and a couple of almost “mazy” runs to boot.
Castro – 7 – good game, linking well, maybe not incisive enough on attacking duties,

Chiapas – 6 – better than Veracruz, did very well on second goal, often way out of postion (subbed off 85 mins)
Sancho – 8 – with Leandro bossed the midfield, commanding presence
Leandro – 8 – with Sancho bossed the midfield. Couple of decent long shots as well
Parejita – 9 – everywhere again, actually going past a few players, a good hard-working intelligent game

Chupa Lopez – 7- much better work rate, good goal, faded and made some poor plays later on. Maybe not 100% fit? (subbed 73 mins)
Palencia – 7 – helped in midfield again, but shooting not too great, too often too deep, also that control in the box still letting him down, fights well and hard to get in good position, then loses it. Forced a save today, and Pareja should have done better on follow up.

Subs
Scocco – 8 – 73 mins – great to see him looking fit, and in short time on pitch looked a step ahead of everyone else. Well taken goal, exciting runs
Alex Diego – 6 – 85 mins – looked ok

DT
Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti – 7 – much better, kept the lads concentration up, brought Scocco on at exactly the correct moment, both for the player and for the game, closed Jaguares right out of the game. Using Espinosa as left back paid off. Rojas, midfielder of Jaguares said that Pumas were rubbish, and play a bad, boring game. This must be quite a dose of sour grapes, because it was a “clear Pumas victory” today, to quote a few papers. We out-played and out-thought them in all departments.

Cards:-
Pumas
30 mins – Chupa – bad tackle from behind
33 mins – Castro
61 mins – Pikolin – was being held in the box, shook his defender off, bad decision
63 mins – Espinosa – awful decision, classic “one-each” bottle out

Jaguares
17 mins – Campos – nasty foul on Parejita
63 mins – Rojas – this was the “one-each” decision, really should have been just for Rojas, and led to the ref losing a bit of control of the game.
64 mins – Hernandez
81 mins – Fuentes – foul on Nacho Scocco, how dare he…..

Goals:-
1-0 – (41 mins) Lovely cross from wide left by Espinosa, Ariel “Chupa” Lopez out jumped the defenders to head the ball passed Ortiz
2 -0 – (80 mins) Long cross from deep right by Castro, Jehu Chiapas ran hard to head it back across the goal, where Parejita knocked it back for Ignacio Scocco to hit home.

Crowd:-
35,000 – we were all in anti-violence mood, apparently.

Elsewhere in Mexico:-
Couple of long runs came to an end this week end. Notably Chivas unbeaten 12 game run (and 11 on spin at home), when a 92 minute Pachuca goal beat them. Also Monterrey had not been beaten at home for (I think) 11 games, since Cruz Azul did them. Well same team finished this record, 1-2. Those teams in relegation fight, Queretaro got nil all at home Toluca, which they must be pleased about, also nil all Morelia v Tigres, Atlante well and truly done 3-0 by San Luis, and Santos went down 1-0 to Necaxa. Santos now 13 points behind us, and in deep deep trouble. Tecos beat Veracruz, topsy-turvey world; Mexican football. It seems that Blanco’s chat had upset the Tigres players last week, which is why they punched him. He was bleating on and on, apparently, about how rich he is, and was saying that Tigres players looked like they were starving to death. Well, they got the last laugh winning 1-0, and this week a frankly awful looking America went down 1-0 at home to Atlas, Blanco particularly having a poor game. The Atlas goal actually started when Caniza took the ball off Blanco, twelve passes later Santiago stuck it passed Ochoa. This also finished a unbeaten home run of 12.

Pumas Morelos:-
Unfortunately lost 2-1 away to promotion hopefuls, Puebla, leaving them 9th (out of 12) in their group after 4 games.

Descenso and Group:-
After 3 played we are 2nd in Group 3, and the bottom seven in relegation zone are:-

1.2727 Atlante 112 from 88
1.2500 Tecos 110 from 88
1.2273 Tigres 108 from 88
1.2273 PUMAS 108 from 88
1.1852 San Luis 64 from 54
1.0795 Santos 95 from 88
1.0000 Queretaro 20 from 20

Next Up:-
Jornada 4 away at Toluca Sunday 11th February at midday, at “La Bombonera”. Never easy, should be another interesting tactical game. And good luck to Israel Castro - next up for him is the USA as he travels to Phoenix with the national team for the "friendly" on Wednesday (7th) night - I hope he gets a game, and lets hope for a great result for "El Tri"