As the dust settles on Mexico's latest campaign in the international football arena, the outcome is all too familiar: an early exit from the group stage. The national team's elimination from the 2022 World Cup was a disappointment, but it is just one chapter in a recent series of underwhelming performances that have left fans and pundits alike questioning the future of Mexican football.
Struggles and Setbacks
Mexico's struggles have not been confined to the World Cup. Over the past year and a half, the team has shown little to inspire confidence in the Concacaf Nations League, with two unspectacular outings in the regional tournament. Matters were further compounded during the Copa America, where Mexico needed a crucial victory against Ecuador to progress to the quarterfinals but fell short despite dominating the match.
In their decisive encounter with Ecuador, Mexico controlled nearly 60% of the possession and outshot their opponents 19-9. However, the team managed just a single shot on target, which didn't come until the 65th minute. Statistically, the team generated a lowly 0.86 expected goals against Ecuador, highlighting their inefficiency in converting opportunities. Across their three Copa America games, they scored only one goal, despite an overall expected goals tally of 4.71. On the defensive side, they conceded just one goal during the group stage, but that was not enough to see them through to the knockout rounds.
The Santiago Gimenez Conundrum
One factor contributing to Mexico's woes is the lack of a prolific goalscorer. No player on the current squad has surpassed the 13-goal mark in international play, a statistic that underscores the team's struggles in front of goal. Santiago Gimenez, who had a stellar season with Feyenoord, netting 26 goals and providing eight assists in Europe, has not been able to replicate his club success on the international stage, managing just four goals in 30 appearances for Mexico.
Jaime Lozano’s Leadership
Amid the turmoil, one bright spot has been the emergence of Jaime Lozano, who stepped in as an interim coach and later secured the full-time position. Lozano's crowning achievement came when he led Mexico to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup, a triumph that earned him the top job on a permanent basis. His leadership will be crucial as the team navigates through this tumultuous period and prepares for future challenges.
Fan Expectations and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Mexico will be under intense scrutiny as they prepare to host the World Cup in two years. The expectations are high, and the pressure is mounting for the team to deliver a performance that matches the passionate support they receive from their fans. The recent setbacks have undoubtedly been a cause for concern, but there is also hope that under Lozano's guidance, the team can regroup and find a way to translate their potential into tangible success on the international stage.
As the countdown to the World Cup begins, the spotlight will be firmly on the Mexican national team. The coming months will be pivotal as they work to iron out the deficiencies that have hindered their progress and rise to the occasion when it matters most. Only time will tell if they can break free from the cycle of early exits and disappointments and give their fans something to cheer about on the world stage.