I imagine that a lot of Mexico fans were a little annoyed that Mexico was sending anything less than it’s best to the Copa America this Summer, annoyed, but understanding. Miguel Herrera made a wise decision to focus on the Gold Cup, as it offers not only a better chance to win, but a better chance to qualify for the Confederations Cup in 2017, which is a key stepping stone in the march towards Russia 2018. He is sending his best to the Gold Cup, but the rest going to Copa America are so much more than a “B-team.”
They represent a motley crew of promising youngsters such as Jesus “El Tecatico” Corona and Carlos Salcedo, veterans like Rafa Marquez, and inconsistent talents like Marco Fabian. It is that last group that makes the team Mexico is bringing to Chile so exciting.
Perhaps Fabian has done a lot to deserve his reputation, but this weekend he proved why he is worth getting frustrated over. His hat trick for Chivas against Atlas was pure class, back-to-back-to-back golazo that do nothing less than qualify him for “Most Stunning Hat Trick Ever,” and he did it all in the first half.
His half-volley was in full effect.
An out of place touch turned into a go-ahead curler with a penchant for turning keepers into spectators.
And his shot-fake left two defenders on the ground as he roofed a shot so nonchalantly that he didn’t celebrate so much jog away with a smile on his face.
That’s the look of a man who has found his beach, a look we hope to see this Summer in Chile.
Atlas are not Brazil or Argentina. Miguel Herrera knows that. He also knows that if he can somehow get this Marco Fabian to show up at the Copa America, if he can get the most out of his entire roster, then Mexico will give South America a spectacle the likes of which the entire continent will admire. I wish him luck, he is going to need it.
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