Mexico’s national football team faces mounting scrutiny and criticism after a series of disappointing performances in major tournaments. The latest setback came at the 2022 World Cup, where Mexico once again failed to progress beyond the group stage, a trend that has become a recurring issue for the team on the global stage.
Struggles in Recent Tournaments
The national team’s woes are not confined to the World Cup alone. Over the past year and a half, Mexico has endured two unspectacular outings in the Concacaf Nations League. Their inability to make a significant impact in these regional competitions has only compounded the frustrations of fans and analysts who have long awaited a resurgence in Mexican football.
Nevertheless, there have been moments of achievement. Jaime Lozano, who initially took over as interim coach, earned a full-time position after leading the team to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup. This triumph, however, has not entirely alleviated concerns, especially given Mexico’s recent performance in the Copa America.
Disappointing Copa America Performance
Needing a victory against Ecuador to secure a quarterfinal berth, Mexico dominated possession and created numerous chances but ultimately fell short. Mexico controlled nearly 60% of the ball and outshot Ecuador 19-9, yet their profligacy in front of goal was glaring. Incredibly, it took them 13 shots before managing their first shot on target in the 65th minute.
Statistically, Mexico generated just 0.86 expected goals in the match against Ecuador, underlining their inefficiency in converting opportunities. Over the three Copa America games, the team scored only one goal, despite an expected goals tally of 4.71, a stark indication of their struggles in front of goal. On the defensive end, Mexico conceded just one goal during the group stage, which highlights a solid backline that unfortunately did not receive adequate support from the attack.
Individual Performances and Fan Expectations
One striking aspect of the current squad is the lack of a prolific goalscorer. No player on the team has more than 13 international goals, a concern for a squad that boasts significant talent. A prime example is Santiago Gimenez, who had a stellar season with Feyenoord, netting 26 goals and providing eight assists in Europe. However, his form for the national team has been underwhelming, with just four goals in 30 appearances for Mexico.
The pressure is mounting as Mexico gears up to host the World Cup in two years. Fan expectations are higher than ever, and every performance is subject to increasing scrutiny. This persistent underachievement on the international stage has put the spotlight on the coaching staff and players alike, with a collective demand for improvements and more consistent success.
As the Mexican national team continues its journey, the road to redemption is fraught with challenges. The team has demonstrated potential and capability, but translating these into tangible results remains the crux of their mission. Only time will tell if they can rise to meet the high hopes placed upon them, especially as they prepare to take on the world in their own backyard.