Mexico's Continuing Struggles in Major Tournaments Spark Concern
Mexico's national football team has seen another disappointing exit from a major tournament, adding to an emerging pattern of underperformance. The squad's latest setback came in the 2022 World Cup, where they failed to advance beyond the group stage. This continues a troubling trend for a team that has long been a regional powerhouse in CONCACAF but seems unable to translate that promise onto the global stage.
The signs of trouble were already evident over the past year and a half with two unspectacular outings in the CONCACAF Nations League. Although there was a glimmer of hope when Jaime Lozano, initially an interim coach, guided Mexico to victory in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the recent Copa America group stage performances have done little to assuage the rising concerns.
The Copa America Disappointment
During the Copa America, Mexico desperately needed a win against Ecuador to advance to the quarterfinals. Despite a dominant performance in terms of possession and chances created, they fell short, illustrating their recurring inability to convert dominance into victory. In that crucial match, Mexico controlled nearly 60% of the ball and outshot Ecuador 19-9, yet struggled to find the back of the net until their first shot on target in the 65th minute.
Statistical analysis paints a stark picture. Mexico generated just 0.86 expected goals in the match against Ecuador, a figure that starkly contrasts with their 19 attempts. Over their three Copa America games, they scored a mere one goal, despite an expected goals tally of 4.71. On a positive note, their defense was solid, conceding only one goal during the group stage. However, the offensive shortfall has been glaringly obvious.
Offensive Struggles and Individual Performances
One particularly concerning aspect for Mexico is the lack of a prolific scorer. No player on the current squad has more than 13 international goals, a statistic that highlights the absence of a reliable finisher. Santiago Gimenez, who had an exceptional season with Feyenoord—netting 26 goals and providing eight assists—has not replicated this form on the international stage, managing just four goals in 30 appearances for Mexico.
Such discrepancies underscore a broader issue: the transition between club and international football. While Gimenez thrives in Europe, he hasn’t yet found his stride with the national team. This gap could be a focal point for the coaching staff, as they look to build a more cohesive and effective attacking unit.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup on Home Soil
As Mexico gears up to host the World Cup in two years, the pressure is undoubtedly mounting. Fan expectations are high, and scrutiny on the team's performances is intensifying. With the spotlight on them, the Mexican national team must address their inefficiencies in converting chances and find ways to leverage individual talents more effectively in upcoming competitions.
The road ahead is challenging, but not insurmountable. Success in future tournaments will likely hinge on how well the team can blend their robust defensive capabilities with a more clinical edge in their offensive play. With Jaime Lozano at the helm and the promise shown in the Gold Cup, there is a foundation to build upon. However, the clock is ticking, and Mexico will need to find solutions quickly to meet the expectations of their passionate supporters.