Following a scoreless draw against Chile, the Mexico national football team, led by coach Miguel Herrera, is set to face Bolivia in an international friendly at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. Fans are eagerly anticipating the Mexico National Football Team Vs Bolivia National Football Team Lineups as Herrera looks to experiment with his squad and give opportunities to younger players.
Mexico’s Youth Movement and Expected Lineup
For “El Tri,” this match against Bolivia represents a chance to rebound and provide a more exciting performance for their US-based supporters. Striker Erick “Cubo” Torres from Chivas USA is expected to lead the attack, marking his first start for the national team. Torres will likely partner with Javier “Chuletita” Orozco upfront.
Herrera has openly stated his intention to evaluate players as he aims to build two competitive national teams for the upcoming Copa America and Gold Cup in 2015. This friendly provides a platform for players like Torres to prove their worth and secure a place in future squads. Veterans like “Maza” Rodriguez and Giovani Dos Santos are absent due to club commitments and injury respectively, further emphasizing the youth movement in this lineup. Jose “El Gallito” Vazquez is also sidelined due to injury.
Despite the changes, the Mexican defense, which impressed against Chile, is expected to remain largely unchanged. Given Bolivia’s struggles in attack, they will aim to build on their solid defensive performance.
Predicted Mexico Lineup (5-3-2):
- Goalkeeper: Moisés Muñoz
- Defenders: Rodolfo Pizarro, Hiram Mier, Luis Venegas, Hugo Ayala, Miguel Layún
- Midfielders: Antonio Ríos, Marco Fabián, Javier Aquino
- Forwards: Javier Orozco, Érick Torres
Bolivia’s Search for Direction and Probable Formation
Meanwhile, Bolivia enters this friendly under a cloud of uncertainty. Reports from Bolivia suggest that this match could be the last for coach Xabier Azkargorta, nicknamed “El Bigoton.” After a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign and a heavy 4-0 defeat to Ecuador in their previous friendly, the Bolivian Football Federation is reportedly considering a change in leadership.
Azkargorta, who famously led Bolivia to the 1994 World Cup, has struggled to replicate that success in his second stint. Bolivia’s recent form has been poor, and they are expected to make changes to their lineup and formation following the loss to Ecuador. It is anticipated that Bolivia will shift from a three-man defense to a more conventional four-man backline in an attempt to solidify their defense against Mexico’s attack.
Probable Bolivia Lineup (4-5-1):
- Goalkeeper: Romel Quiñones
- Defenders: Ronald Eguino, Ronald Raldes, Alejandro Meleán, Ramiro Ballivián
- Midfielders: Marvin Bejarano, Pedro Azogue, Raúl Castro, José Luis Chávez, Gualberto Mojica
- Forward: Carlos Saucedo
Match Expectations
Historically, Mexico has dominated matches against Bolivia, including a 5-0 victory in their last encounter in 2010. Given Mexico’s desire to impress and Bolivia’s current struggles, Mexico will be favored to win this friendly. However, friendly matches are often unpredictable, and Bolivia will be looking to salvage some pride and potentially give their coach a positive send-off, if the rumors of his departure are true. For fans, the focus will be on seeing how the mexico national football team vs bolivia national football team lineups perform and which young players can make a case for future national team involvement.
