Mexico's national football team has faced yet another setback, with a disappointing exit at the group stage of the 2022 World Cup. The early elimination has become an alarmingly familiar sight for fans and pundits alike. This recent failure adds to a series of unsatisfactory performances, including two lackluster campaigns in the Concacaf Nations League over the past year and a half.
However, there was a glimmer of hope for El Tri when Jaime Lozano, initially appointed as an interim coach, guided the team to triumph in the Concacaf Gold Cup. This victory earned him the role of full-time head coach, and he has since sought to recalibrate the team's fortunes.
The Crucial Clash Against Ecuador
Mexico's journey in the Copa America under Lozano's stewardship highlighted the team's persistent struggles. They needed a decisive win against Ecuador to reach the tournament's quarterfinals. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, the squad fell short of the mark. In the match against Ecuador, Mexico controlled nearly 60% of the ball and outshot their opponents 19-9. However, it took them 13 attempts before finally registering their first shot on target in the 65th minute.
This inefficiency in front of the goal was underscored by the match statistics. Mexico generated just 0.86 expected goals, a striking contrast to their actual performance. Over three Copa America games, they managed to score only a single goal, despite an expected goals tally of 4.71. On the defensive end, though, Mexico conceded just once during the group stage, showcasing a robust backline that could not compensate for their offensive shortcomings.
The Search for a Reliable Scorer
A notable concern is the lack of a prolific scorer in the current squad. No player has surpassed the 13-goal mark at the international level. This issue is exemplified by Santiago Gimenez, who enjoyed a stellar season with Feyenoord in Europe, netting 26 goals and providing eight assists. Yet, on the international stage, he has struggled, with just four goals across 30 appearances for Mexico. His inconsistency highlights the broader problem of converting club success to international efficacy, a hurdle Mexico must overcome.
Countdown to the World Cup
With Mexico set to host the World Cup in two years, the expectations from fans and the scrutiny of the national team are intensifying. The pressure is on to not only advance beyond the group stages but to make a significant impact on the global stage. The early exits and underwhelming performances in recent tournaments raise questions about the strategic direction and player development within the team.
In conclusion, while Jaime Lozano's appointment and the Gold Cup victory offered a brief respite, the Mexican national team must address their inefficiencies and scoring challenges. They have a limited window to rectify these issues and harness their potential ahead of the World Cup. The road to redemption is undoubtedly steep, but with concerted effort and strategic adjustments, Mexico can aspire to reclaim its status as a formidable force in international football.