Mexico's national football team has once again met disappointment, crashing out at the group stage of the 2022 World Cup. Despite being a storied football nation with high expectations, Mexico’s recent performances suggest an ongoing struggle to break free from mediocrity. This recent exit follows a pattern of unspectacular outings, including the two lackluster performances in the Concacaf Nations League over the past year and a half.
One bright spot in an otherwise dim landscape was Jaime Lozano, who was initially installed as interim coach but secured the full-time position after leading Mexico to a resounding victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup. Despite this achievement, Lozano's tenure has faced significant challenges, the most recent being Mexico's underwhelming performance in the Copa America. Mexico needed a win against Ecuador to move forward to the quarterfinals but fell short despite dominating possession and creating multiple opportunities.
A Match Analysis
The statistics from the crucial match against Ecuador paint a picture of frustration. Mexico controlled nearly 60% of the ball and outshot Ecuador 19-9. Yet, it wasn’t until the 65th minute that Mexico managed their first shot on target, illuminating their struggles in the final third. Even with significant control and pressure, their expected goals tally stood at a meager 0.86, underscoring their inefficiency in converting chances. Scoring only one goal over the course of their three Copa America games, Mexico’s expected goals tally of 4.71 suggests they should have found the back of the net more frequently. In contrast, their defensive solidity was notable, conceding just one goal during the group stage.
Offensive Woes and Key Players
The offensive challenges were further highlighted by the fact that no player on the current squad has more than 13 international goals. This lack of a reliable goal-scorer has become increasingly evident. Santiago Gimenez, who had a stellar season with Feyenoord, netting 26 goals and providing eight assists in Europe, exemplifies this paradox. Despite his form at club level, Gimenez has managed just four goals in 30 appearances for the national team, indicating a disconnect between club success and international performance.
Future Expectations and Pressures
Looking forward, Mexico is set to host the World Cup in two years, and the expectations from fans are soaring. The scrutiny on the national team is intensifying with each passing tournament. The team’s performance in upcoming events will be critical, not just for restoring faith among the supporters but also for showcasing Mexico’s readiness to compete on the world stage. The onus falls on Jaime Lozano and his squad to navigate these pressures and deliver performances worthy of a nation with Mexico's rich football heritage.
As they regroup and prepare for future challenges, the focus will undoubtedly be on enhancing offensive efficiency and capitalizing on the dominance they've shown in possession. They also need to identify and nurture a consistent goal-scorer who can replicate club-level success on the international stage. With the World Cup on the horizon, the coming months will be crucial for Lozano and his team to address these critical areas and strive for a resurgence.