Friday morning gave Mexico fans—who had just finished watching El Tri finish off their 2014 year with two international friendlies—something to look forward to when new pictures of the team’s 2015 away jerseys for Copa Amèrica were leaked online.

“@PhilHecken: Leak of Mexico's Copa America 2015 away kit: (via @conradburry) pic.twitter.com/tbNIE4scgS”

— Augy (@Agustiny_Rdz) November 21, 2014

The Copa Amèrica will be played in Chile next summer. Group drawings for the tournament will take place on Monday.

Sorry for the very late reply to the game on Tuesday morning. Midterms, babies, showers… some things take a priority

The weather was not the only thing chilly about Mexico’s game. Yes, I might be acting a bit dramatic, but the game played on Tuesday morning was not the level of play most fans were used to seeing since Miguel Herrera took charge of the team… which made it that much more scary and left goose bumps running down my back.

The game Tuesday morning ended with Mexico losing against Belarus 3-2, with four goals being scored in seven minutes and Belarus scoring their winning goal in the 89th minutes of play.

Cue the chilling sensation.

Mexico’s 2014 season ended the way it started: with feelings of confusion. Mexico hadn’t played a game of this very slow caliber since… the dark days.

But Mexico is not in the same position it was at the beginning of 2014. They haven’t talked three steps forward and four steps back. If anything, they’ve only taken two steps back. They’re not where they started, but they do still need to keep moving.

There are a few things to take away from this game:

- The second string players are not at the same level as the starting players.
- Mexico’s defense has not been the same since Rafa Marquez retired.
- Jonathan Dos Santos is proving himself on the international level and should continue to be given more playing time.
- Raul Jimenez is just one of the many examples of how Miguel Herrera is trying to make sure his players are given the chance to show they are capable of playing in the European market.
- Hector Herrera is instrumental for the middle and it was obvious (but Jonathan showed remarkable potential and a partnership could work there).
- Despite the second string players lacking the same skill as the starters, Herrera is brewing up something more for his players.

Mexico showed its old face with this game against Belarus, but the new face had something different about it.

It is not as sad or disappointing.

They did not play as bad as old Mexico. Old Mexico probably would not have even scored against Belarus and let those three goals in with unspeakable lack of effort.

The two goals from Mexico’s B-players showed that there is hope for the substitutes, which puts the starters (Vela, Chicharito, Guardado, etc) in a very strong and important position.

This game might have brought back old feelings, but things have changed. Lessons will be learned from this game that wouldn’t have been done at the beginning of 2014. Miguel Herrera is still the man. And I expect great things for 2015.

Follow me: @AztecaAmeliaaa

Carlos Vela came. He saw. He conquered. Mexico won against Netherlands Wednesday in Amsterdam in an exciting 3-2 friendly. Carlos Vela scored a brace, having his first goal come at the 8th minute of the game and from his very touch on the ball before he blasted it inside the goal from outside the 18. He would score again from a great switch from Corona (who had just come in seconds before) in the 62nd minute and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez secured the victory with a great breakaway goal later on in the 69th minute.

Carlos Vela silenced skeptics and reluctant fans with his brace. But that should not be the only thing that should be taken from this game.

Yes, it is a friendly and yes, the two goals Mexico let in from both Sneijder and Blind were a result of too much space made available by the defense and midfield. Yes, real, intense competition for Mexico to really prove themselves does not come up for another couple of months but to claim that this game is not a big deal would be a mistake.

This was not a game of revenge. Herrera himself said that. This was not a game to applaud Vela only to condemn him for not going to the World Cup and creating this result when it mattered most. This was a game about learning.

The past is in the past. It is time to look forward at what is happening for Mexican soccer internationally.

Is there still work to do with the team? Of course. That can be said about any team.

What has always made me a believer of El Tri and any loyal fan knows is that the team is a great international power. To say they aren’t would be a mistake. But to have reason to believe that they aren’t would be understandable to those who haven’t paid close enough attention to the team.

Which is why I say this: It’s time to start paying attention.

There is something brewing within the Mexican National Soccer Team that is finally making sense. The puzzle pieces of Miguel Herrera’s masterpiece that he has had planned since he was given the okay to take control of the team are slowly coming together.

It’s important to understand that it’s numerous puzzle pieces. Carlos Vela is a crucial part of it but he is not the part responsible of bringing out the masterpiece. Players that have always been there are just as important. Guardado being named as Captain has been a good move. The emergence of a neglected Jonathan Dos Santos is important. Bringing in new talent like Jesùs Corona is also an important piece. There's the strong veterans that made a new for themselves at the World Cup: Hector Herrera, Chicharito, Oribe Peralta, Miguel Layun,Josè "Gallito" Vasquez and Gio Dos Santos. Herrera making bold choices like changing up the formation on the field is a great new to try right now. Improving the defense since the departure of Rafa Marquez is also a good part of it all as well so that goals like the ones that Netherlands scored can be avoided.

Mexico’s not at its best level yet and that is okay. But this game matters when it comes to the fundamental aspects of the team.

And that’s a big deal.

Now that all the Carlos Vela debacle has been put to silence for good, it’s time to focus on what is ahead: the match Wednesday in Amsterdam against the Netherlands. Vela and Chicharito have both been named the starting forwards for the match and it seems as though Vela is being welcomed with open arms and being treated with no hard feelings or special treatment by Herrera. Let the past be in the past and let’s focus on some key points for Wednesday.

The chance for some youngsters to shine

While Carlos Vela’s position on El Tri brings excitement to the game, he is no stranger to being in the international spotlight. However, there are some anticipated somewhat new faces coming to play for the senior team that are definitely worth watching.; specifically, Jonathan Dos Santos. Dos Santos’ career with the international team has been very sporadic. He’s only made six total appearances with the team in the three years he was called up (2009-2012). However, age and more experience with clubs such as Barcelona and Villarreal have made Miguel Herrera believe that now is the time to bring him back.

Herrera’s opportunity to really pick and choose strong attacking players

Chicharito. Gio Dos Santos. Carlos Vela. Already a great starting trio to have up top and that’s not even all of his main available players. Without his domestic players, Herrera still has great potential for this game to see some magic happen between the three of them and decide if they work best together or with other domestic players.

Let's see if Vela is worth it

I know I said we were done talking about Vela but he is going to play so, what else is one expected to do? There's a reason that there was so much wonder and excitement about him coming back and his talent has really spoken for itself. That being said, it has been a while since he played with the team. Sure, they're all being friendly and smiling for the camera (have you been on instagram lately?), but it is important to remember why he was called in the first place and why Herrera wanted him to represent the nation. The Cancùn-raised veteran has stepped on the field before and it should be really enjoyable if he brings in the talent that fans and media alike are still clingling to.

A chance to continue showing this is more than just a friendly

Herrera has always been very upfront about the fact that no game is a game “just for fun.” He wants his players to enjoy themselves but puts a firm standard on how they should be playing. He treats his domestic players like his European players and is proud of every single one of them for the skill that they possess. He created an assertive standpoint when he became a coach and he continues that. This game against the Netherlands could not be a more perfect moment to continue to show that the buzz that took place during the World Cup has sizzled.