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.