After another disheartening exit at the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, the scrutiny surrounding Mexico's national football team has intensified. Despite high hopes and immense fan support, El Tri once again fell short of expectations, leaving supporters and analysts searching for answers.
Recent Struggles in International Competitions
Mexico's woes have not been limited to the World Cup. Over the past year and a half, the national team has faced unspectacular outings in the Concacaf Nations League, failing to make a significant impact. However, a bright spot emerged when Jaime Lozano, initially serving as an interim coach, guided Mexico to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup. This triumph helped Lozano secure the full-time coaching position, sparking a glimmer of hope for the future.
Nonetheless, the recent performance in the Copa America highlighted ongoing issues. Needing a win against Ecuador to progress to the quarterfinals, Mexico dominated possession, controlling nearly 60% of the ball and outshooting Ecuador 19-9. Despite creating multiple chances, Mexico fell short, managing their first shot on target only in the 65th minute. The match yielded just 0.86 expected goals for Mexico, illustrating their struggles to convert opportunities into tangible results.
Underwhelming Offensive Output
Offensive struggles have been a recurring theme for Mexico. Throughout their three Copa America games, Mexico scored only one goal. Their expected goals tally was 4.71, indicating a significant gap between potential and execution. Defensively, the team was more solid, conceding just one goal during the group stage, but the lack of offensive firepower ultimately sealed their fate.
A glaring issue is the absence of a prolific goal scorer. No player on the current squad has more than 13 international goals, emphasizing the need for a reliable finisher. Santiago Gimenez, who had a stellar season with Feyenoord, netting 26 goals and providing eight assists, has been unable to replicate his club form on the international stage, scoring just four goals in 30 appearances for Mexico.
High Expectations and Growing Pressure
With the World Cup set to be hosted by Mexico in two years, the expectations from fans are at an all-time high. The national team is under intense scrutiny to perform better on home soil. Supporters are desperate for their team to not only advance beyond the group stage but to compete at the highest level and challenge for the title.
Jaime Lozano's leadership will be critical in navigating this pressure-filled environment. While his success in the Concacaf Gold Cup has earned him more time and the trust of the federation, the real test will come in preparing the team for the World Cup. The task ahead is daunting, but Lozano's experience and the lessons learned from recent competitions could provide a roadmap to success.
Looking Toward a Brighter Future
The focus now shifts to harnessing the talent within the squad and finding the right balance between seasoned veterans and emerging stars. Building a cohesive unit that can perform consistently on the international stage is imperative. Mexico's strong defensive foundation needs to be complemented by a more potent and efficient attack.
The road to redemption is long, and the clock is ticking down to the World Cup. Fans remain hopeful that Mexico can turn their fortunes around and deliver a performance that not only meets but exceeds expectations. The journey will require grit, determination, and a collective effort from players, coaches, and supporters alike.
As the countdown to the World Cup begins, all eyes will be on Mexico, waiting to see if they can rise to the occasion and reclaim their status as a powerhouse in international football.