Mexico's national football team has found itself at a crossroads following another disappointing exit from a major tournament. In a pattern that has become all too familiar, Mexico bowed out of the 2022 World Cup at the group stage, leaving fans and analysts to ponder the future of "El Tri."
Struggles in Recent Competitions
The recent history of the Mexican squad has been far from impressive. Their performance in the Concacaf Nations League over the past year and a half has been lackluster, characterized by two unremarkable outings. These struggles were foregrounded by their inability to progress beyond the group stages of the World Cup.
Despite these challenges, a glimmer of hope emerged with Jaime Lozano. Initially placed as an interim coach, Lozano earned a full-time role after leading Mexico to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup. This achievement injected some optimism into a team in desperate need of a morale boost. Yet, the subsequent Copa America campaign brought the team crashing back to reality.
Copa America Heartbreak
In the Copa America, Mexico needed a victory against Ecuador to secure a place in the quarterfinals. The team dominated possession, controlling nearly 60% of the ball and outshooting Ecuador 19-9. Despite this dominance, Mexico managed just 13 shots before their first shot on target in the 65th minute. The game ended in frustration as Mexico fell short, statistically generating a mere 0.86 expected goals in the match.
Over the course of their three Copa America games, Mexico managed to score only one goal, despite an expected goals tally of 4.71. Defensively, however, they were more robust, conceding just one goal during the group stage. The inability to convert possession and chances into goals has become a persistent issue for the team. No player on the current squad has scored more than 13 international goals, underlining a dire need for a prolific finisher.
Bright Spots and Lingering Questions
One player who has shown potential is Santiago Gimenez. The striker had a stellar season with Feyenoord, netting 26 goals and providing eight assists in Europe. However, his form at the club level has not translated to international success. Gimenez has scored just four goals in 30 appearances for Mexico, raising questions about why he can't replicate his club performances on the international stage.
Looking Towards the Future
With the World Cup set to return to Mexican soil in two years, the spotlight on the national team has never been more intense. The expectations from fans are sky-high, and the pressure is mounting for the squad to deliver. Recent shortcomings have increased scrutiny on all aspects of the team, from coaching strategies to player selections.
Mending the issues plaguing the national team will be key as Mexico prepares to host the World Cup. The struggles at recent tournaments have highlighted the need for a comprehensive review and overhaul of both tactics and player development. Jaime Lozano’s leadership in the Gold Cup suggests that with the right vision, the team can still find success on the international stage.
In conclusion, Mexico's national team is at a pivotal moment. The lessons learned from recent failures must be addressed urgently. With meticulous preparation and an infusion of attacking prowess, the team has the potential to rise to the occasion and meet the fervent expectations of a nation passionate about football.