The recent convocation of Mexicans for upcoming World Cup Qualifying matches left two glaring omissions: Carlos Vela and Guillermo Ochoa.
The former is not a surprise. Despite blistering form that only seems to improve week-in and week-out, Vela continues to refuse call-ups to El Tri. The latter, however, sent mini-shockwaves through the Mexican media in the last week.
 |
| Guillermo Ochoa with one of many saves against PSG |
Ochoa has been a soldier for the National Team for years, despite not making many recent starting appearances in front of goal. His not being in the starting lineup for World Cup 2010 was a grave injustice in the minds of many fans, and his continued relegation to the bench in favor of Cruz Azul portero Jose de Jesus Corona (whose has been extraordinary, make no mistake) is a controversy that inflames many passions. And his recent form for Ajaccio, the French club for which he plies his trade, coupled with Corona's recent positive doping test, would only suggest that embattled manager Jose Manuel "Chepo" de la Torre should turn to Ochoa as the guaranteed starter.
It is difficult to argue with this logic, particularly after
Ochoa almost single-handedly salvaged a point for Ajaccio against European powerhouse Paris Saint Germain. The performance was absolutely jaw-dropping, and might have opened the door for Ochoa to finally leave the mid-table French club for greener pastures in Europe.
However, per Chepo, Ochoa insisted that he will not travel with El Tri to the upcoming World Cup Qualifying matches at home against Honduras or on the road against the United States unless he is guaranteed the starting position. Chepo did not flinch, explained to media outlets that no one on the team is a guaranteed starter, and thus Ochoa will remain in France for the vital contests.
 |
| Carlos Vela is currently unstoppable for Real Sociedad |
Carlos Vela, on the other hand, is not involved in any kind of controversy over who should start in his position. He is unequivocally the hottest Mexican footballer on the planet right now, enjoying a run of form for Liga BBVA squad Real Sociedad that might leave him as one of the top transfer targets next year should he continue to play at the pace he is currently enjoying. If he were to show up, not even bull-headed Chepo could deny him a starting spot (or could he?).
On Wednesday, Carlos Vela was instrumental in a dazzling display for the surprise San Sebastian side. In the second leg of a home-and-away qualifier for Champions League group play against French club Olympique Lyon (the first leg was won by Sociedad 2-0), Vela absolutely dominated.
His 67' goal showed a remarkable heading ability and pretty much secured the series for Sociedad. However, his
91' run and goal was one of the most stunning displays by a Mexican in a top European competition in many, many years, and justifiably made highlight reels across the continent.
 |
| Jose Manuel "Chepo" de la Torre on the sideline |
Fans of El Tri are understandably upset that two of their most outstanding performers will not be suiting up for the underachieving national team. Players of Vela's and Ochoa's caliber would make any squad stronger, much less a team that has managed to only score 3 goals in 6 matches of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying.
However, what may be most frustrating is the vacuum that surrounds this team. There is no indication why certain decisions are made, why certain players and tactics are continually trotted out despite an obvious lack of results, or what exactly the situation is between Carlos Vela and Chepo. At this point, we have all heard the hooker party story, but is that really all there is to it?
Regardless, Carlos Vela and Guillermo Ochoa are enjoying the prime of their careers and are playing absolutely dynamic football right now. We can enjoy watching them play for club, if nothing else.
 |
| Angel Reyna has stepped up his role |
In the meantime, Mexico looked absolutely revitalized in their last game, a friendly against Ivory Coast in New Jersey. New blood in the form of naturalized Argentinean Christian "Chaco" Gimenez, coupled with the brilliant displays of Veracruz attacker Angel Reyna and fan favorite striker Oribe Peralta, saw El Tri move the ball with a fluidity and purpose not seen in many months, with a dominating 4-1 result the outcome. Whether this can carry over to qualifying is something we will have to wait and see.
