Mexico's national football team finds itself under intense scrutiny following another disappointing exit on the global stage. Despite containing one of the richer footballing traditions in North America, the squad couldn't progress beyond the group stage of the 2022 World Cup. This adds to a growing list of frustrations for the fans, who have been vocal about their dissatisfaction.
The recent results in the Concacaf Nations League were far from impressive, and the team’s performance earlier this year in the Copa America left much to be desired. Jaime Lozano, who initially stepped in as an interim coach, secured his position after leading Mexico to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup. However, the team's inconsistency under his leadership has sparked debate on whether this success was sufficient enough to make Lozano the long-term solution.
Painful Group Stage Exit
In the Copa America, Mexico needed to secure a victory against Ecuador to move forward to the quarterfinals. Despite dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities, they couldn't find the back of the net enough times. Mexico controlled nearly 60% of the ball and outshot Ecuador 19-9. However, it was not until the 65th minute that they managed to get their first shot on target, a damning statistic for a team with high aspirations.
Despite their offensive efforts, the team only managed to score one goal across their three Copa America matches, amassing an expected goals tally of 4.71. Defensively, they conceded just one goal during the group stage, showing a solid backline but an ineffectual offense. As a statistical anomaly, Mexico generated a mere 0.86 expected goals in their pivotal match against Ecuador, starkly highlighting their struggles in converting chances.
High Expectations, Low Output
Fan expectations are escalating as Mexico prepares to host the World Cup in two years. With the tournament on home soil, supporters are demanding a team that can not only compete but excel. Currently, no player on the squad has more than 13 international goals, a worrying sign for a team hoping to go deep into competitive tournaments.
Santiago Gimenez, despite having a stellar season with Feyenoord—netting 26 goals and providing eight assists in Europe—has been unable to translate his club success to the international stage. With only four goals in 30 appearances for Mexico, Gimenez is a prime example of the disparity between club and national team performances.
Pressure on Lozano
For Jaime Lozano, the next two years will be pivotal. His triumph in the Concacaf Gold Cup offered a glimmer of hope, but his strategy and squad selection will be under intense scrutiny as Mexico gears up for the World Cup. The Mexican Football Federation and fans are demanding a significant turnaround, and the pressure to deliver is immense.
As Mexico looks to refine their squad and tactics, the coming months will reveal whether Lozano can build a team capable of handling the high expectations or if a change in leadership is necessary. The clock is ticking, and with each passing match, the need for consistent, high-quality performances becomes more urgent.
In the end, Lozano’s ability to transform potential into results will define his tenure and, quite possibly, the future of Mexican football on the global stage. For now, all eyes remain closely fixed on El Tri, waiting to see if they can rise to the occasion. The journey to redemption is fraught with challenges, but the reward—a home World Cup—is surely motivation enough.