Five Takeaways from Mexico's 1-0 Victory Over Bolivia

Mexico's narrow 1–0 win over Bolivia may not have inspired confidence, but it did offer clarity. In a match where El Tri were largely outplayed despite the result, Javier “Vasco” Aguirre’s decisions — and omissions — revealed several important clues about the direction of the national team ahead of a crucial summer and, ultimately, the World Cup.

Tala Rangel appears to be the No. 1 goalkeeper

After months of debate, the goalkeeper situation finally seems settled. Tala Rangel’s start against Bolivia all but confirmed him as Vasco Aguirre’s preferred option, and likely the starter for the World Cup opener at the Estadio Azteca. Luis Malagón’s form has dipped, while Guillermo Ochoa has never been a favorite of Aguirre. Rangel, on the other hand, has consistently earned the coach’s trust.

Marcel Ruiz is becoming indispensable

Beyond Rangel, Marcel Ruiz was the only outfield player to start both January matches, a strong signal of his growing importance. Aguirre clearly views Ruiz as a central piece of his midfield, and his role this summer could be pivotal as Mexico looks to establish balance and control in the middle of the pitch.

The result must be viewed in context

While Mexico secured the win, the performance raised concerns. Bolivia, widely regarded as one of CONMEBOL’s weakest sides, controlled large portions of the match. That said, El Tri were missing several key Europe-based players, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the team’s overall level. The performance warrants caution — not panic.

Everardo López is emerging as a real option

One of the more positive developments was the performance of 20-year-old Toluca defender Everardo López. After Eduardo Aguila's quiet outing against Panama, López stepped up and impressed against Bolivia, particularly in defensive duels. His biggest asset may be his left foot — a rare commodity at center back for Mexico. If his development continues, a World Cup roster spot is no longer unrealistic.

Time may be up for Jorge Sánchez and Charlie Rodríguez

Some decisions felt more definitive than others. Jorge Sánchez and Charlie Rodríguez struggled once again, and their performances did little to justify future call-ups. With younger, more dynamic options available, Aguirre may need to turn the page and fully commit to a new generation.

Mexico leave the Bolivia match with a win — and plenty to think about. The scoreboard says victory, but the real story lies in the clues Vasco Aguirre left behind.