As the dust settles on another chapter for Mexico's national football team, the story remains painfully familiar. The team's recent performance on the international stage has not met the high expectations of its fervent fanbase. Once again, Mexico exited a major tournament at the group stage, continuing a trend that has become all too common for El Tri. This time, it was the 2022 World Cup that saw them bow out early, failing to make it past the preliminary rounds.
In the lead-up to the World Cup, Mexico's form was anything but reassuring. Over a year and a half, the team had two unspectacular outings in the Concacaf Nations League. These lackluster performances raised questions about the direction the team was heading under various managers. The arrival of Jaime Lozano as an interim coach brought a glimmer of hope. Lozano, after leading Mexico to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup, secured the full-time position, reflecting a belief in his ability to steer the team into calmer waters.
Struggles in Copa America
However, the subsequent performance in the Copa America did little to lift the spirits of the supporters. Mexico needed a win against Ecuador to progress to the quarterfinals but fell short despite a dominant display. They controlled nearly 60% of the ball and outshot Ecuador 19-9, yet, they struggled to find the back of the net. In fact, it took 13 shots before they managed their first shot on target in the 65th minute, a telling statistic that highlighted their inefficiency in front of goal.
The match against Ecuador was a microcosm of Mexico's broader struggles in the tournament. While they conceded just one goal throughout the group stage, their own offensive output was abysmally low. With only one goal scored over three games, and an expected goals tally of 4.71, the disconnect between their chances and actual goals was glaring. Statistically, the match against Ecuador produced just 0.86 expected goals, epitomizing their lack of clinical finishing.
Star Power Lacking
Adding to Mexico's woes is the absence of a reliable goal scorer on the international stage. No player on the current squad has more than 13 international goals, a worrying statistic for a team with aspirations of going deep in tournaments. Santiago Gimenez, who had an exceptional season with Feyenoord netting 26 goals and providing eight assists in Europe, has struggled to replicate that form for the national team. Gimenez has managed just four goals in 30 appearances for Mexico, a stark contrast to his club performance.
Future Prospects and Fan Expectations
Looking ahead, Mexico finds itself at a critical juncture. With the nation set to host the World Cup in two years, the pressure to perform on home soil is immense. Fan expectations are sky-high, and the scrutiny on the national team is only set to increase. Jaime Lozano's challenge is not just to improve results but to restore belief among supporters that Mexico can indeed compete with the world's best.
The journey towards 2026 will be one watched closely by all. With a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, the onus is on the team, and particularly its strikers, to deliver when it counts. The past may be a bitter pill to swallow, but the future offers a canvas yet to be painted with the colors of success or failure. For now, Mexican football mirrors a classic tension between promise and performance, a narrative that only time will tell if they can rewrite.