Mexico's national football team has once again seen disappointment on the global stage. The team exited the 2022 World Cup at the group stage, a familiar scenario for fans who have seen their squad struggle in recent major tournaments. Over the past year and a half, Mexico's performance in the Concacaf Nations League has also been underwhelming.
Jaime Lozano's Unexpected Journey
Amidst the general atmosphere of underachievement, Jaime Lozano stands out as a beacon of hope. Initially appointed as an interim coach, Lozano earned the full-time position by guiding Mexico to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup. His promotion brought a temporary uplift to the team’s morale, though challenges remain substantial.
Lozano's tactical nous was truly tested in the Copa America, where Mexico needed a win against Ecuador to progress to the quarterfinals. Mexico dominated possession and relentlessly attacked, yet ultimately fell short. Despite controlling nearly 60% of the ball and outshooting Ecuador 19-9, Mexico could not find the back of the net until the 65th minute, marking their first shot on target.
Statistical Disappointment
The statistics from the match against Ecuador paint a bleak picture. Mexico generated just 0.86 expected goals despite their 19 shots, highlighting inefficiencies in their attacking play. Moreover, Mexico managed to score only one goal across their three Copa America games, contrasting sharply with their expected goals tally of 4.71. While they conceded just one goal during the group stage, their offensive struggles were glaring.
Individual Performances: A Mixed Bag
One name that has been on many lips is Santiago Gimenez. The Feyenoord striker had an outstanding season in Europe, netting 26 goals and providing eight assists. However, his form hasn't translated to the international stage, where he has managed just four goals in 30 appearances for Mexico. Gimenez's struggle underscores a broader issue: No player on the current squad has more than 13 international goals, a stat that worries fans and analysts alike.
Eyes on the Future
With Mexico set to host the World Cup in two years, the spotlight on the national team is brighter than ever. Fan expectations are soaring, and scrutiny is intensifying. Despite recent setbacks, there remain glimmers of hope within the squad. Yet, the road ahead is fraught with challenges that require tactical refinements and perhaps, more critical changes to reach the level expected by both fans and football pundits.
The upcoming months are crucial for Jaime Lozano and his squad. With a clear focus on overcoming their offensive inefficiencies and maximizing their defensive strengths, the national team could turn things around. It remains to be seen if this seasoned coach can work his magic once again, but one thing is certain: the entire footballing world will be watching.