Mexico's national football team continues to grapple with underperformance, having recently exited the 2022 World Cup at the group stage. This early exit marks yet another setback for a team that has struggled to find its footing in major international tournaments.
Recent Disappointments
Over the past year and a half, Mexico's displays in the Concacaf Nations League have been lackluster. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, the team has repeatedly fallen short. This trend of near misses and underwhelming performances culminated in their disappointing outing at the Copa America. Needing a win against Ecuador to secure a quarterfinal spot, Mexico controlled nearly 60% of the ball and outshot Ecuador 19-9 but failed to capitalize on their opportunities, managing just one shot on target after 65 minutes.
Statistically, Mexico's attack has been ineffective. In their match against Ecuador, they generated a mere 0.86 expected goals despite their extensive efforts. Over the three Copa America games, Mexico scored just one goal, while their expected goals tally was 4.71, underscoring their inability to convert chances into goals. Defensively, however, they conceded only one goal during the group stage, highlighting a solid backline that unfortunately was not complemented by an effective offense.
Managerial Changes and Player Performances
Amid these struggles, one bright spot for Mexico has been the appointment of Jaime Lozano. Initially serving as interim coach, Lozano secured the full-time position after leading Mexico to a triumph in the Concacaf Gold Cup. However, the team's recent performances have placed increasing pressure on both the coach and the squad.
Despite possessing a roster with strong individual talents, collective output has been lacking. No player on the current squad has more than 13 international goals, a statistic that starkly contrasts with the high expectations of fans. Santiago Gimenez, one of the team's star players, exemplifies this paradox. While Gimenez had an exceptional season with Feyenoord, netting 26 goals and providing eight assists in Europe, his international form has been less impressive, with just four goals in 30 appearances for Mexico.
Looking Ahead
As Mexico prepares to host the World Cup in two years, the pressure is mounting. Fan expectations are sky-high, and scrutiny will only intensify as the tournament draws nearer. The team’s recent form raises critical questions about their readiness to compete on football’s biggest stage.
In conclusion, Mexico’s national team finds itself at a pivotal juncture. Their ability to translate possession and chances into goals is paramount for future success. With the World Cup on the horizon and the support of a passionate fan base, the team has the potential to turn their fortunes around under the guidance of Jaime Lozano. Yet, realizing this potential will require significant improvements to avoid disappointments akin to those witnessed in recent tournaments.