Mexico's Early Exit from Tournaments Raises Questions
Mexico's national football team continues to grapple with challenges on the international stage, as evidenced by their recent performances in major tournaments. The squad's premature exit from the 2022 World Cup at the group stage marked yet another disappointing chapter in their football history.
The struggles did not end there. Over the past eighteen months, Mexico's outings in the Concacaf Nations League were anything but memorable. Despite these setbacks, a glimmer of hope emerged when Jaime Lozano, initially serving as an interim coach, led the team to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup, earning him a full-time coaching position.
However, the subsequent Copa America campaign painted a different picture. Mexico needed a critical win against Ecuador to secure a spot in the quarterfinals but fell short despite dominating the game. Controlling nearly 60% of possession and outshooting Ecuador 19-9, the team seemed to be in command, yet they could not convert their efforts into goals.
In the decisive match against Ecuador, it took Mexico 13 shots to register their first attempt on target, which came as late as the 65th minute. This inefficacy in front of goal was reflected in their expected goals tally—just 0.86 during the match, while their overall Copa America campaign saw them score only once in three games, against an expected goals figure of 4.71.
Defensively, Mexico showcased resilience, conceding only one goal throughout the group stage. Still, this defensive stability was overshadowed by their attacking woes.
A significant concern for the team is the lack of a prolific scorer. No player in the current squad has surpassed 13 international goals, pointing to a glaring deficiency in clinical finishing. Santiago Gimenez, who had an exceptional season with Feyenoord, scoring 26 goals and providing eight assists in Europe, has struggled to replicate this form for the national team, netting just four times in 30 appearances for Mexico.
Looking ahead, Mexico is set to co-host the World Cup in two years, a prestigious event that amplifies both fan expectations and scrutiny. Supporters are eager for a turnaround, urging the national team to break free from the cycle of early exits and rise to the occasion on home soil.
As the Mexican national team gears up for this significant challenge, the onus is on Jaime Lozano and his squad to harness their potential, refine their strategies, and find that elusive cutting edge in attack that could propel them to greater heights. The journey will undoubtedly be arduous, but the potential for redemption and glory on a global stage remains within their grasp.