It may not be on at prime time for anyone in North America or Europe, but Thursday could be another one of those milestone days for Mexican soccer that seem to be coming round with increasing frequency.The feeling in Mexico, and certainly among its CONCACAF neighbors, is that soccer in the North American country is on the brink of a boom and Monterrey’s game against Chelsea in the early hours of Thursday morning (4:30 a.m. Mexico time) in the semifinal of the Club World Cup is another chance to prove it.
Chelsea can expect a well-oiled Rayados with experience at its heart and a few highly talented younger players sprinkled in. Monterrey is also a team that has benefitted from being involved from last year’s tournament and has focused its energy on doing well in Japan over the last couple of months.
A blow has been the loss of striker Humberto Suazo to injury, but the diminutive Chilean has not found form this season, mainly due to injury problems.
Players to watch out for
For those not acquainted with the Monterrey side, the player to keep an eye for future reference on is center back Hiram Mier.
The captain of Mexico’s Olympic team is 23 years old and is ready to cross the channel and play in one of Europe’s top leagues. His duel against Fernando Torres is one to watch and another test for the youngster who is mounting a legitimate challenge to Francisco ‘Maza’ Rodriguez’s starting spot in the Mexican national team.
Aside from Mier, left back Darvin Chavez was also a member of that Olympic team which defeated Brazil 2-1 in Wembley last August and is pushing for honors with El Tri.
Jonathan Orozco in goal is another that could quite easily play in Europe and is on the fringe of the national team. He isn’t the biggest or most physically imposing ‘keeper, but he is very quick, sure and distributes the ball perhaps better than any other Mexican goalkeeper at present.
But while those younger players viewing the game against Chelsea as somewhat of a shop window to parade themselves to top European clubs, ‘Chelito’ Delgado already has European experience and will be the key if the Rayados do want to win the game.
Delgado will have to use all his nous to craft a goal at some stage for Monterrey, whether he plays behind striker Aldo de Nigris or as a right winger. His experience with Olympique Lyon in the Champions League is vital for Monterrey.
Continue reading about Monterrey's big day against Chelsea at Soccer365.com!
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