Mexican National Team Faces Rising Scrutiny After Disappointing Tournament Exits
Mexico's national football team has once again found itself under intense scrutiny after an underwhelming performance in recent major tournaments. The latest setback came with their exit at the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, a result that has sent ripples through the football community in Mexico.
Struggles Across Multiple Tournaments
The disappointing trend continued into the Concacaf Nations League over the past year and a half, where Mexico's performances fell below expectations. However, Jaime Lozano, initially appointed as an interim coach, brought a glimmer of hope. Lozano led Mexico to a triumphant victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup, a success that earned him the full-time coaching position.
Despite this silver lining, Mexico's woe extended to the Copa America, where they needed a win against Ecuador to advance to the quarterfinals. Despite dominating possession and crafting numerous scoring opportunities, Mexico could not find the back of the net when it mattered most.
Dominating Play but Falling Short
In their decisive match against Ecuador, Mexico controlled nearly 60% of the ball and outshot their opponents 19-9. Yet, it wasn't until their 13th attempt that they managed a shot on target, which came only in the 65th minute. Statistically, their inability to convert chances into goals was evident as they generated just 0.86 expected goals (xG) in the match against Ecuador.
Over the span of their three Copa America games, Mexico managed to score only one goal, despite having an expected goals tally of 4.71. On the defensive side, the team conceded just one goal during the group stage, highlighting a solid yet ultimately futile defensive effort.
The Santiago Gimenez Conundrum
The current squad's goal-scoring woes are further underscored by the fact that no player has more than 13 international goals. Striker Santiago Gimenez, who had a stellar season with Feyenoord, netting 26 goals and providing eight assists in Europe, has struggled to replicate this form on the international stage. Gimenez has managed just four goals in 30 appearances for Mexico, a statistic that raises questions about his role and effectiveness in the national team setup.
Rising Expectations and Future Challenges
With Mexico set to host the World Cup in two years, expectations from fans are soaring. The string of lackluster performances in major tournaments has fueled concerns about the team's readiness for the global stage. The anticipation of hosting football's most prestigious event has amplified the scrutiny on the players and coaching staff alike.
As the pressure mounts, the Mexican national team must navigate these turbulent waters and find a way to transform their potential into tangible success. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with a considerable talent pool and an experienced coach at the helm, the possibilities for a turnaround remain.