ESPN Deportes Fútbol - México

MÉXICO -- Because of Tricolor's amazing performance under Gio's lead; because of a world "fair play" weekend; because Toluca returned to the top of the 2009 Apertura, where they can really shine; because Daniel Luduena is starting to stand out like in his best moments; because the America seems to be going through some real good times. Because of all of this and more, last weekend was sublime and spectacular for Mexican soccer.

WHAT A NIGHT... WITH NO HESITATION
The Mexican National team did a nice job with the Costa Rican squad in their own Ricardo Saprissa Stadium, a ground the Tri will remember on a high note. Before thousands of Costa Rican fans, Javier Aguirre's team left behind their troubled past (at least that's what we're hoping) to head on to a new future (so be it).

The anticipated test was passed by Vasco and his pupils with flying colors. Some say they are now right on track to take back the "Concacaf Giants" nickname they held for so many years. But there's still a long way to go, for greatness is built on continued success, consistency, and, in Mexico's case, with good soccer. Because playing well, winning, and convincing are still the greatest challenge for the Tricolor, whoever may be coaching them.

It's not by chance that their soccer has the biggest and best infrastructure in the Concacaf area. But today we'll highlight the Tri's most positive feature, which was their determination; in which they found their character. The players could display their quality and talent as soccer players, and they showed why they were chosen by Vasco for the South Africa 2010 qualifiers.

The Tri didn't hesitate, the Tri showed no fear; none of their players showed signs of uncertainty, thanks, we suppose, to the confidence instilled by their coach and because they knew how to make the most of their qualities. There were no dirty plays on the field, even though Costa Rica played rough (Ricardo Osorio's black eye is enough evidence).

And part of the good news is the confirmation of some young players who may be the future of the National Team. Giovani Dos Santos, 20, is a big offensive leader, and what to say about right winger Efrain Juarez, who is now showing everything he learnt in Spanish soccer. After becoming world champion with the U-17, he left Pumas to fulfill his dream of playing abroad, even before coming of age.

This team does believe in their coach, which is essential, and is heading for the World Cup fair and square. This was crystal clear in their 3-0 win against Costa Rica.

As to Javier Aguirre, we have to recognize that even though he took over the team on a rush, and under heavy pressure, once he settled down and forgot his past, everything started flow. And today he knows that even though he experimented a little in the 2009 Gold Cup, which he won well, along the way he got to know his players better, and now he's able to tell who he can count on and who he cannot. Evidently, Rafael Marquez is no longer indispensable, as we used to believe, for the team has other players up to the challenge, headed by Ricardo Osorio, who's reemerging.

THEY GOT UP AFTER THE KNOCKOUT
We were enticed by the triumph of the Tri, but then the league wasn´t as white as everyone expected during the world day of "Fair Play" that FIFA declared. Among some groups there were anger chants; luckily, they weren´t decisive in the time of the result. What stood out for the Toluca was the way the local team rose after the knockout the America scored against them on date six.

Today they are leading the tournament after a victory against the Morelia. The rojos couldn´t get back at the Aguilas after the 7-2 because their rival played hard. The Monarcas have been the hardest team in the Nemesio Diez, they overcame the Chivas, a team that almost took the tie away from them with a 4-3 on date one. Now, it remains to be seen if they keep on climbing. It would be a shame if they suffered ups and downs, it wouldn´t be praiseworthy of a squad as the one Jose Manuel el Chepo de la Torre is running.

CHUCHO IS DOING BETTER THAN EXPECTED
Everyone that thought Jesus Ramirez wasn´t the coach for the America, and now, everybody has to withdraw their remarks. I hope we don´t have to do it the other way round further on. Truth is, after seven games, the team is having a good performance. In the Universitario, against the Tigres, they ended with a tie that could have been a triumph. But he was too conservative without the presence of his scorer, Salvador Cabanas (he scored in the qualifiers with Paraguay).

He let their opponent reach them in minute 79, when he could have risked something more in order to add a fifth win. Nevertheless, they are showing a great hardness offensively and defensively. If you want to be a great team, you have to take greater risks.

WITHOUT PUMAS OR CHIVAS
With the exception of the champion Pumas and the popular Chivas, in some way the big teams of the Mexican football occupy the first places of the competition.

The Pumas got back to their old days after ending the awkward run of five defeats in a row against the Gallos Blancos. But at least, against the Atlante they were on top during most part of the game, and you should also take notice Paco Palencia got expelled with a nudge in minute 26. To lose by the minimum difference is not so bad, although the universitarios are still last but one in the league.

The Chivas, on the other hand, haven´t taken a step that could indicate they overcame the lethargy. Paco Ramirez is still on the small board. The tie taken out in Puebla has been discussed to a certain extent, since it gave the impression the game was not going to end if the rojiblancos didn´t score the 2-2. In minute 96, Omar Arellano got the tie.

The Santos is shining again, thanks to Daniel Luduena who could show a great performance once again. With three goals of the Argentine-Mexican (against the Estudiantes Tecos), the laguneros are lifting up.

Graciela Reséndiz es reportera de futbol mexicano y colaboradora de ESPNdeportes.com. Consulta su archivo de columnas.