Mexico's national football team once again finds itself under the microscope after another disappointing exit from a major tournament. The latest setback occurred during the 2022 World Cup, where El Tri was unable to advance past the group stage. This is a familiar story for a team that has struggled to make a significant impact on the international stage in recent years.
Inconsistencies in Recent Competitions
Over the past year and a half, Mexico's performance in the Concacaf Nations League has been underwhelming. Despite the occasional flashes of potential, the team has failed to consistently deliver results. This inconsistency was highlighted by their two unspectacular outings in the regional competition.
However, under the guidance of Jaime Lozano, who initially took the helm as an interim coach before securing a full-time position, there have been moments of promise. Lozano led Mexico to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup, a triumph that earned him the permanent coaching role. Nevertheless, the highs of the Gold Cup win have been overshadowed by subsequent struggles.
Copa America Disappointment
The Copa America was another stage where Mexico's ambitions fell short. Facing Ecuador in a decisive group-stage match, Mexico needed a win to progress to the quarterfinals. They dominated possession and created multiple chances but were ultimately unable to secure the needed victory. With nearly 60% of the ball and a 19-9 shot advantage, the numbers were in Mexico's favor, but the end result did not reflect their efforts.
Statistically, Mexico generated just 0.86 expected goals in their match against Ecuador, a telling sign of their inefficacy in front of the goal. Despite taking 13 shots before their first shot on target in the 65th minute, the team only managed to score one goal over their three Copa America games. This poor conversion rate was a stark contrast to their expected goals tally of 4.71 over the tournament. On the defensive side, Mexico conceded just one goal during the group stage, which highlights their defensive solidity but also underscores their issues in attack.
Challenges in Front of the Goal
Offensively, the current squad lacks a prolific goal scorer. No player on the current roster has more than 13 international goals. This lack of firepower is a hindrance that has become more apparent with each passing tournament.
One player who was expected to shine is Santiago Gimenez. The forward had an outstanding season with Feyenoord, scoring 26 goals and providing eight assists in Europe. However, Gimenez has struggled to replicate this form on the international stage, netting just four goals in 30 appearances for Mexico. His inability to carry his club form into national duty remains a point of concern.
Looking Forward to Hosting the World Cup
With Mexico set to co-host the World Cup in two years, the pressure on the national team is mounting. Fans' expectations are soaring, and the scrutiny on the team's performance is intensifying. The Mexican football community is eager for the team to break the cycle of early exits and underwhelming performances.
As the clock ticks down to the 2026 World Cup, the Mexican national team faces the daunting task of meeting these high expectations. The challenge is not just about finding a way to score more goals but also about fostering a sense of belief and cohesion within the squad. Success in upcoming tournaments will be crucial in building momentum and confidence ahead of the world's biggest football event.
In conclusion, Mexico's national football team stands at a crossroads. The recent string of exits and underperformance in major tournaments underscores the need for strategic improvement and a more effective attacking approach. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if Jaime Lozano and his squad can rise to the occasion and deliver the results that Mexican football desperately craves.