After another disappointing exit at the group stage of a major tournament, Mexico's national football team finds itself at a crossroads. This time, the 2022 World Cup served as the stage for their early departure. Over the past year and a half, the team's uninspiring performances have extended into the Concacaf Nations League, where they delivered two unspectacular outings.
Amidst this turbulence, Jaime Lozano's transition from interim to full-time coach temporarily uplifted spirits when he guided Mexico to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup. However, the team's continued struggles have brought Lozano's leadership into sharp focus. These recent failures cast a long shadow over his tenure and underscore the urgency for meaningful progress as Mexico prepares to host the World Cup in two years.
Copa America Disappointments
Mexico's underwhelming performance in the 2022 Copa America epitomizes the mounting concerns. With their sights set on progressing to the quarterfinals, a win against Ecuador was crucial. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities, Mexico ultimately fell short. The statistics are telling: they controlled nearly 60% of the ball and outshot Ecuador 19-9 in the decisive match. Nevertheless, their inefficiency in front of goal was glaring, as they took 13 shots before managing their first shot on target in the 65th minute.
The deeper numbers further illuminate their struggles. Mexico generated just 0.86 expected goals in that crucial match and scored a lone goal over the span of their three Copa America games. Despite an expected goals tally of 4.71 across these matches, the actual execution was lacking. The defense, however, was relatively solid, conceding just one goal during the group stage. Such imbalance between attacking prowess and defensive solidity has become a hallmark of the team's recent woes.
Scoring Woes Continue
A major factor contributing to Mexico's struggles is their lack of a reliable goalscorer. None of the players on the current squad boast more than 13 international goals. Notably, Santiago Gimenez, who had a stellar season with Feyenoord by netting 26 goals and providing eight assists in Europe, has been unable to replicate that form on the international stage. His tally stands at a mere four goals in 30 appearances for the national team.
This dichotomy between club and international performance crystallizes a persistent issue for Mexico—translating club success into national team effectiveness. The propensity for players to thrive in the European leagues, only to falter when donning the national team jersey, is an enigma that Mexican football must solve promptly.
Pressure and Expectations
The clock is ticking for the Mexican squad, and fan expectations are soaring as the nation gears up to co-host the World Cup in two years. With increased scrutiny, the team's structure, strategy, and, most importantly, results, are under the microscope. The repeated underperformances in prominent tournaments amplify the pressure on both players and coaching staff to deliver substantial improvements.
While the foundations of a capable team seem to be in place—evident from their defensive metrics and competent build-up play—the final touch, the decisive moments that separate wins from losses, remains elusive. As Jaime Lozano navigates the treacherous waters of international football management, his ability to harness the talent at his disposal and convert potential into tangible results will be crucial.
Ultimately, the Mexican national team's journey is more than just a quest for victories—it's about restoring faith among the fervent supporters who dream of seeing their side triumph on the world stage. The margins are thin, but the stakes have never been higher. As the countdown to the World Cup continues, the upcoming matches will be pivotal in determining whether Mexico can rewrite its script of near-misses and underachievement, or if the pattern of disappointment will persist.