MEXICO -- The Universitario Stadium roared after Pumas, with smart and lucky soccer, became the new 2008 Torneo Apertura super leader on the eight week.
Pumas was fiercer than Tigres and Tuca Ferreti was brighter than Manuel Lapuente, the only coach in Mexico that has won it all.
The team from Pedregal tied San Luis in the first place with 16 points, but a better goal average (+9).
EVERY MINUTE COUNTS
The 2-0 win Pumas earned has an explanation: a nice tactical plan by Tuca and the patience and experience of Francisco Palencia.
"El Niño" stepped on the field and was the difference, even tough he only played 30 minutes. He sent a nice cross that Israel Castro headed for the first goal and also scored his own goal. The team was solid from start to end, offensively as well as defensively. They were patient to sustain the shutout while scoring the winning goals on the 91st and 93rd minutes. Unbelievable but true.
Pumas learned the lesson that Morelia taught them on the fourth week, when they lost 1-0 with a goal on the 90th minute.
Leandro Oldoni's absence in midfield did not matter at all; due to Pumas' team effort and his replacement, Alex Diego, solid game. But beware this was only the first of the series of tests they'll have to face in the near future without Oldoni.
A MEXICAN TEAM
There are already people taking for granted America's second consecutive win this season (the first on the road). Nobody believed America was capable of having a nice performance against the team that led the league, San Luis, during several weeks.
But not many appreciated the tactical and personnel changes that Pelado Diaz established for this game. The Argentine coach benched the stars and utilized only Mexican born players in the starting eleven. Insua, Moreno and Dominguez waited on the bench, as well as Negro Medina.
And the team showed hunger, eager to put an end to the bad streak. The tactical design that Diaz used was aimed to getting a result, more than playing spectacular or even nice soccer. When America scored the first goal and was then tied, the bench stepped up and got another goal for the Eagles, with an assist made by Moreno. Intensity, patience and counterattacks were the keys for a victory that will be remembered for a long time.
NIGHTMARE RED AND WHITE
Is Chivas on the verge of a coach change?
No big team can stand a 5-2 loss, especially when they brag themselves for having the best players in Mexico. The reality is that Chivas lack the resources to get out of the bottom, strong men capable of sorting adversity. The youngsters need time to develop, but Chivas cannot wait. A vivid example: the rookie goalkeeper Sergio Rodriguez has received 17 goals, more than any other goalie in eight games.
Chivas has no more excuses, as they were thrashed. Now they stand last in the Group of Death with only seven points.
What happens with a team that makes tactical mistakes and has no bench like Chivas? It is squashed by the power of Pachuca, who took advantage of the home court, their best squad and Bruno Marioni, who had a nice comeback. What else can we say about Gabriel Caballero's accuracy and Enrique Meza's brightness? Chivas keeps showing weaknesses and although they probably won't be able to cure this disease until next season, they are urging for a temporary solution.
Would Ronald Koeman (who watched the game with Vergara) be the next coach?
INDIOS COULD NOT HOLD
Indios' streak in Ciudad Juarez got to an end. They could not get their third consecutive win nor extend the streak without losses to five. Jaguares beat them 2-1 and the team coach by Hector Hugo Eugui reached the bottom on the relegation table and the standings.
The important thing is that they are not alone. Puebla is close, due to their bad moment.
Now Indios will have its second test. They suffered at the beginning of the season, had their share of victories recently and now they will face their reality again.
CHANGES WORKED OUT
Two coaches made their debut with teams from Jalisco and did not lose. Miguel Herrera earned a tied with Tecos in Morelia (2-2) and Atlas, coached by the Argentine/Mexican, Dario Franco, beat Puebla 2-0.
In both cases, the changes seemed to have worked out, however we'll have to wait to determine if these changes are for real. We are not discussing the coaches' capacity, but we need to remember that Jose Luis was kicked out due to bad results and that Argentine Miguel Brindisi had a productive last season in general terms.
DOES NOT HELP
Ties do not help much when a team is going through rough times. Puebla, Chivas and Necaxa tied four games in eight weeks and are at the bottom of the standings (joined by Tigres).
For Atlante, the tie tasted different; their fourth tie against Cruz Azul (1-1) was enough to keep the first place in Group I (13 points). Puebla's, Chivas' and Necaxa's coaches are on the hot seat.