Mexico boss Osorio’s ‘sin was to be a purist’ against Sweden

Juan Carlos Osorio’s “sin was to be a purist” after Mexico fell to a 3-0 defeat against Sweden in World Cup Group F.

Mexico went into the match top of the section after wins over Germany and South Korea, but they were outplayed by Janne Andersson’s team in Ekaterinburg and progressed in second.

Osorio, who named an unchanged line-up for the first time since taking over in October 2015, admitted he should have played a back three against Sweden’s robust and vertical approach.

“Every single game is different. But I can say that when we play against a team that plays so directly, we play with three at the back,” said the Colombian, who was swayed by impressive victories over Germany and South Korea.

“I tried to be maybe a purist because certain people think you have to play your own game, but considering the very good games before, I decided to play with the same structure.

“So what I’ve learned is that we have to find a middle ground. [Against Sweden] it was difficult and we really took into account what happened before. Normally we don’t do this. 

“It doesn’t matter who we play against, whoever it is, they won’t play like Sweden. Sweden are very strong in the air and good at defending. We’ve learned a lot, but I don’t think the [other] opponents will be like that.

“They didn’t surprise me. I deeply respect that way of play. I don’t agree with it, but it’s respectable. Sweden have got very good results so far.

“[If Sweden] have a strength, it’s a collective effort. Everyone is [tall]. But as far as playing talented football, I don’t think so.

“I would rather lose the way we lost. If we hadn’t qualified, I would accept that for my part. My sin was to be a purist. With this idea of playing football, we could compete against a team that play the same type of football.

“One day I’ll get it right, that we play good football and can beat teams that play that way.”

Left-back Jesus Gallardo was booked after just 15 seconds – the quickest yellow card in World Cup history – for a late foul on Ola Toivonen and Osorio revealed the impact on his gameplan.

“Take a look at the first foul, and that was devastating because Jesus is one of the most decent players I know,” said the Mexico boss.

“I think that was an unnecessary card. It limited him. We tried to make them move from the sides. He was able to overcome four or five rivals, but expecting him to do that four of five times in a game, that’s too much.

“But the players will have learned a lot. As have I. It was difficult for us to come into this match with six points and not go through. It was quite tough. In the second half, it changed. Once Sweden scored, things got very difficult for us.

“As always, we’ll analyse the game. We’ll take into account what they see. We’ll share it with the players. It’s not time for regrets. We need to concentrate on our next opponents, but this type of game has taught us a great deal.”