Mexico’s national football team continues to find itself under an intense spotlight, especially following their recent performance at the 2022 World Cup, where they were eliminated during the group stages. Expectations surrounding the team have been increasingly high, particularly with Mexico set to host the World Cup in just two years.
The scrutiny on the team intensified after a series of underwhelming performances in various tournaments. Over the past year and a half, Mexico had two unremarkable outings in the Concacaf Nations League. The pressure was palpable as the team looked for a resurgence under new leadership. Jaime Lozano, initially brought in as an interim coach, eventually secured the full-time position after leading the team to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup, demonstrating a glimmer of hope for the future.
However, the recent Copa America presented yet another hurdle that Mexico failed to clear adequately. Facing Ecuador in a must-win match to progress to the quarterfinals, Mexico dominated possession, controlling nearly 60% of the ball and outshooting Ecuador 19-9. Despite creating multiple opportunities, the team managed just one shot on target, which came as late as the 65th minute. Statistically, Mexico generated only 0.86 expected goals in that match, illustrating their difficulties in converting possession and chances into tangible outcomes.
The broader picture of Mexico’s Copa America campaign was equally troubling. The team scored just one goal across their three group stage games, despite having an expected goals tally of 4.71. On the defensive side, they conceded only one goal, showcasing a solid backline that unfortunately was not mirrored by their offensive efforts. No player in the current squad has more than 13 international goals, highlighting a significant gap in finishing prowess.
One player who has begun to make waves is Santiago Gimenez. The forward had an outstanding season with Feyenoord, netting 26 goals and providing eight assists in European competitions. Yet, this prolific performance did not fully translate to his international duties, where he has managed just four goals in 30 appearances for the national team. This disparity underscores the challenge Mexico faces in translating club success into international triumphs.
Fans remain hopeful but are increasingly critical of the team’s performance. The upcoming World Cup on home soil represents a significant opportunity, but also an equally sizeable expectation. The Mexican national team must address their execution issues promptly to avoid a repeat of past disappointments. As the pressure mounts, the path to transforming their fortunes lies in turning dominating performances into decisive victories, ensuring every chance counts when it matters the most.