This week brought only one Apertura 2010 game since the National Mexican team played two friendly games, one against Ecuador on Sept. 4 and the other one Sept. 7 against Colombia.

México-Ecuador
The game, played in Chivas’ new Omnilife Stadium in Guadalajara, was a complete disaster. It had been 17 years since Ecuador had beaten the Mexican team and the most embarrassing part; only half of the stadium was filled. México played with all of its European stars and even then, they couldn’t find the equalizer.

To make matters worse, México’s only goal was scored by Ecuadorian defender Luis Checa, who scored on his own goal. The final score read 2-1 in favor of Ecuador. The Ecuadorian team marked the difference in the game. The players were fast and played at a higher level than México.

For Efraín Flores, México’s new interim coach, this game was a failure. These results can have serious repercussions for Flores come January when the Mexican Soccer Federation makes its final decision on who México’s head coach will be.

México-Colombia
The game against Colombia had a better result for México, although the team scored the winning goal in the last minute of the game. El Tri had the upper hand the majority of the game and missed plenty of shots at goal. México played as a team and was on the attack, unlike the game with Ecuador, which in the end, produced the wining goal.

One of Colombia’s defenses committed a foul against México’s Carlos Vela. Enrique Esqueda took the free kick sending the shot at the goal. Colombia’s goalie, David Ospina, could only block the shot, which landed by Elías Hérnandez’ feet and he sent the ball sailing into the back of the net. ...