Mexico's national football team has once again found itself at a crossroads following their early exit from yet another major tournament. This time, it was the 2022 World Cup where the team fell short during the group stage, continuing a trend of lackluster performances on the international stage.
Compounding their World Cup woes were two unspectacular outings in the Concacaf Nations League over the past year and a half, which only served to heighten the scrutiny on the squad. However, amidst these setbacks, there was a silver lining. Jaime Lozano, who initially took over the reins as an interim coach, secured the full-time position after leading Mexico to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup. His appointment has been a beacon of hope for fans yearning for a turnaround.
World Cup Disappointment
The expectations were high, but Mexico’s performances have left much to be desired. Entering the crucial match of the Copa America against Ecuador, Mexico needed a victory to progress to the quarterfinals. The match saw Mexico dominate possession, controlling nearly 60% of the ball and outshooting Ecuador 19-9. Despite creating multiple chances, Mexico could not find the back of the net when it mattered most.
Struggles in Finishing
It took Mexico a staggering 13 shots before managing their first shot on target in the 65th minute of the decisive game against Ecuador. Statistically, Mexico generated just 0.86 expected goals in that match, a telling figure that highlights their struggles in finishing. Furthermore, over the span of their three Copa America games, Mexico managed to score only one goal, despite having an expected goals tally of 4.71. Defensively, the team was solid, conceding just one goal during the group stage, but their inability to convert chances into goals ultimately cost them dearly.
Offensive Challenges
The offensive struggles are underscored by the fact that no player on the current squad has more than 13 international goals. This lack of a prolific scorer is a glaring weakness for the team. Santiago Gimenez, who had a stellar season with Feyenoord—netting 26 goals and providing eight assists in Europe—has yet to replicate that form on the international stage, managing just four goals in 30 appearances for Mexico. This disconnect between club and international performances is a conundrum that the coaching staff must address moving forward.
Future Outlook
As Mexico prepares to host the World Cup in two years, the pressure is mounting. Fan expectations are high, and with the scrutiny increasing, the team's recent performances have only added to the concerns. The Mexican national team must find a way to reconcile their possession-based style with effective finishing, ensuring they capitalize on the chances they create. With Jaime Lozano at the helm, there is hope that the team can turn the corner and rise to the occasion on home soil. For now, though, the journey remains a work in progress.