Marquez set to return for Mexico for quarterfinal encounter vs. Chile
18 Jun 201616:57 PM
Marquez set to return for Mexico for quarterfinal encounter vs. Chile
ESPN

After three group-stage matches in the Copa America Centenario, Mexico has emerged atop Group C, earning a place in the quarterfinals. On Saturday, tens of thousands of fans will fill the sold-out Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, for El Tri's meeting with Chile. With a generous amount of criticism for his tinkering throughout the group stage, coach Juan Carlos Osorio will be eager to beat La Roja and secure a spot in the semifinals.

 

Here are five things to watch from Osorio and El Tri on Saturday:

 

1. Talavera or Ochoa in net

 

At the moment, all signs seem to point to a spot in goal for either Alfredo Talavera or Guillermo Ochoa. Talavera appears to be Osorio's current favorite, and despite the Toluca goalkeeper's worrisome performance against Uruguay, the coach hasn't said anything that would indicate a spot on the bench for the 33-year-old.

 

Then again, this is the unpredictable Osorio after all. After giving all three goalkeepers a start in the group stage, the Colombian could also easily give Ochoa another try. The Malaga player arguably had the best performance from the three options and is a favorite among Mexico supporters, which isn't to say that Osorio cares about what El Tri fans think of his selections.

 

Only time will tell whom Osorio selects. At the very least, Mexico fans can rest easy knowing that all three goalkeepers, including Jose de Jesus Corona, are all capable of taking control between the sticks.

 

2. Marquez back in the starting XI

 

After recently returning to the United States after the birth of his child, Rafael Marquez is set to once again become a difference-maker for Mexico.

 

The veteran and captain has once again exceeded expectations and has looked like one of El Tri's best players in the competition. Recognizing the need of the 37-year-old on the pitch, the question still remains whether he would start in the defense or midfield of a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3.

 

Marquez was his best with two central defenders working alongside him, and might struggle with the pace of Chile in a four-man backline that features only two central defenders. Yet, if Diego Reyes plays as a defensive midfielder, the two players could interchange positions when needed.

 

Although Osorio mentioned that Marquez was a little tired after returning from Mexico, the veteran will still have another day to prepare. Like him or not, at 37 years of age, there is no other player like Marquez in El Tri's squad.

 

3. Moreno stepping up in defense

 

Facing highly talented players like Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal capable of creating goal-scoring opportunities, Mexico's defense will have to be cautious Saturday.

 

What this means is certain key players like Hector Moreno will need to have a bigger presence in the backline. The 28-year-old is the only defensive player who has started every game, but it must be noted that he has still looked underwhelming. The typically dominant and confident PSV player hasn't struggled during the competition, but he hasn't done much to stand out either.

 

In the past, Moreno has been one of the more consistent and mature players for the national team. The player has been reliable in numerous tournaments and a source of excellent distributions and confidence. Keeping in mind the significance of the match against Chile, it wouldn't be surprising to see the player up his game Saturday.

 

After winning a title in his first season with PSV, the defender will surely be motivated to keep up his momentum and potentially secure a second piece of silverware in 2016.

 

4. Osorio's strongest options

 

Despite his tinkering and experimenting, Osorio seems to know what he is doing. Even after a significant amount of criticism of his player selection, the manager is undefeated and has his side in the quarterfinals.

 

The manager is unpredictable, but one thing that should be assured is a strong starting XI at Levi's Stadium. Chile is no Venezuela or Jamaica, and should not be taken lightly. The academic coach is fully aware of the opposition's roster and the attacking talents, and probably won't hesitate to field his best XI.

 

For those who have been wondering who the manager favors, the match against Chile will prove enlightening. There will be no room for mistakes, which means that there also probably will be no room for backup players like Yasser Corona or Jesus Duenas.

 

5. "Chicharito" making history

 

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez is just one goal away from making history. With 45 goals for Mexico, the Bayer Leverkusen striker needs only one more goal to tie Jared Borgetti's all-time scoring record for the national team. Hernandez is one of those players who appears to be a guaranteed starter, and one who will be hungry to find the back of the net.

 

With millions of fans watching Mexico all across the world, what better competition than the Copa America is there for the 28-year-old to not only tie, but perhaps also break the record? Keep an eye on the crafty striker who will not want to end his Copa run with just one goal to his name.