Mexico's Football Struggles: A Tale of Near Misses and High Hopes
Mexico's national football team has recently hit some significant stumbling blocks, exiting major tournaments earlier than anticipated. Their performance at the 2022 World Cup was disappointing as they were knocked out during the group stage. This was a scenario all too familiar for Mexican fans, who have grown weary of underwhelming outcomes.
In the past year and a half, Mexico has also had two lackluster performances in the Concacaf Nations League. Despite showing flashes of potential, the results were far from spectacular, adding to the growing concerns about the team's international competitiveness.
However, a beacon of hope emerged when Jaime Lozano, initially appointed as an interim coach, secured a full-time position after guiding Mexico to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup. His success brought a wave of optimism, but consistency remains elusive.
Mexico faced a crucial moment in the Copa America, needing a win against Ecuador to advance to the quarterfinals. Dominating possession and creating multiple chances, Mexico controlled nearly 60% of the ball and outshot Ecuador 19-9 in a decisive match. Despite their efforts, they fell short of victory. Incredibly, it took 13 shots before they managed their first shot on target in the 65th minute, an alarming statistic for a team with high aspirations.
Statistically, Mexico generated just 0.86 expected goals in that critical match against Ecuador and scored only one goal over their three Copa America games. Their expected goals tally of 4.71 over the group stage was respectable, indicating they created opportunities but lacked the finishing touch. On a brighter note, Mexico's defense was sturdy, conceding just one goal during the group stage.
One glaring issue for the team is the lack of a high-scoring forward. Currently, no player on the squad has more than 13 international goals, highlighting the need for a consistent goal-scorer. Santiago Gimenez, who had a phenomenal season with Feyenoord, netting 26 goals and providing eight assists in Europe, has yet to replicate that form for the national team, managing just four goals in 30 appearances.
As Mexico looks ahead to hosting the World Cup in two years, the expectations from fans are immense. The spotlight is shining brighter on the national team, and scrutiny is intensifying. With high hopes pinned on both the coaching staff and players, the pressure to perform and deliver results on home soil is palpable.
Despite the challenges and recent disappointments, there are reasons for cautious optimism. Lozano's leadership and tactical acumen, combined with the potential emergence of new talent, offer a chance for Mexico to rebuild and reassert itself on the global stage. Time will tell if these efforts will bear fruit, but the journey towards the next World Cup will undoubtedly be one of the most pivotal chapters in Mexican football history.