SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Mexico's first game on the long road to Russia 2018 ended in a 0-0 tie against a strong Chile side in a sold out Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Saturday.
El Tri had less possession than its South American opposition, but more clear-cut chances and Miguel Herrera will be relatively happy with his team's display.
1. "Maza" Rodriguez more important than ever
Alongside the inexperienced duo of Miguel Herrera and Oswaldo Alanis in defense and facing the substantial attacking threat Chile's Alexis Sanchez, Francisco "Maza" Rodriguez was a rock in the first 45 minutes, after which he was taken off.
The Cruz Azul player featured at the heart of the defense in the role Rafa Marquez has occupied under Herrera and was authoritative as the leader of the defensive unit.
With the experience of Marquez not in the team, the Hellas Verona player's future in the national team in doubt coupled with Carlos Salcido's retirement from international soccer, Rodriguez is now key.
Tigres' Hugo Ayala came on at halftime, but he hasn't got the experience playing in a back three like Rodriguez and the defense was notably more shaky after the break, with Chile creating decent opportunities in the 52nd and 56th minutes.
And in terms of physical presence, no Mexican player comes near Rodriguez's height and strength and when he isn't there, El Tri looks more vulnerable against powerful teams.
It sounds strange to state it considering Rodriguez's patchy 2013 with the national team, but the centre back is vital to Herrera at present.
2. Time for a striker to step up
Javier "Chuletita" Orozco had a golden opportunity to open the scoring with his first touch off the bench on Saturday. He then fluffed another in the 80th. Both were poor misses and emphasized that he is unlikely to be a regular in the squad moving forward.
But with the tireless Oribe Peralta now over 30 and with only two goals in 2014 for El Tri and Giovani Dos Santos -- who was taken off with an injury -- also failing to covert in a one-on-one against Chile keeper Claudio Bravo, there is an opening for in-form strikers to grab a starting spot.
Mexico has plenty of talent in the striking department. Raul Jimenez, Javier Hernandez and Alan Pulido are all in transition stages of their careers and the door is very much open if any of them can get playing time and some goals for their club teams.
Mexico can't be missing the amount of chances that it did against Chile on Saturday.
3. Herrera very aware results matter, even in friendlies
Eight of Mexico's starting XI from the first three games at Brazil 2014 began against Chile.
Herrera made it very clear in the news conference ahead of the game that he understands this is a results business and he knows he'll only be on Mexico's bench at Russia 2018 if he gets them.
On Tuesday against Bolivia there will be changes, but Herrera clearly has his starting team and tactical layout set and it will be up to the youngsters and those on the outside to take any chance that comes their way.
Herrera has laid his stall and blueprint out for this Mexico side and he doesn't look like changing it easily.