A “rollercoaster of mixed feelings” is just one of many words we can use to describe what “El Tri” is used to providing all fans and media just days away from making a debut in a World Cup, and like every four years in recent memory, they did it all again. Tata Martino’s squad will make its first appearance in Qatar against Poland on November 22nd 2022, and there’s a sand storm in the horizon for one of the teams with most followers in World Cups.
Long Road To Qatar
Mexico has been all over the place since the qualifiers ended up back in March, not just on the field but off of it as well. As every four years, “El Tri” created unnecessary friction during the long and tedious World Cup Qualifiers of CONCACAF. And even though Mexico finished as the runner-up (by goal difference) in the eight-teamed final round, this proved to be irrelevant for fans and media, who believe this team has to qualify in perfect form; scoring minimum three goals per game against smaller country teams, and collecting wins against USA and Canada, something that in modern football even elite teams can struggle to achieve in their own confederations. This Mexican National Team was nowhere near of reaching their full potential during the qualifiers, still they made it through with no particular danger of being left out of the international tournament.
Even though CONCACAF is a weak confederation, playing the qualifiers is a whole different story. Long trips, busy schedules, injury concerns, bad pithes, defending-only teams, without a doubt takes it’s toll, physically and mentally. Something that really stood out with Argentinian manager Gerardo Martino, who broke up with fans and media along the way, was making it clear that sponsors, sporting directors, and media do not let him work in peace. It really is an achievement for him to have lasted the complete World Cup process at the helm after repeatedly having off field struggles. This translated to the pitch, and we have seen it every time “El Tri” has taken the field this year.
Hot And Cold International Break
With some time off after the “Qualifiers Hangover” the last international break before the World Cup couldn’t have arrived at a better time for Martino’s squad. The rivals, CONMEBOL teams Peru and Colombia are strong squads, and taking good results from this two fixtures would give “El Tri” players and its manager some room to breathe before the trip to Qatar.
This was not the case. Mexico faced Peru (Coming off a very painfull loss in their Inter-continental Play-off) last Saturday in Los Angeles. Martino fielded a team with several players like Alvarado, Kevin Alvarez, Luis Chavez, Henry Martin, whom are still trying to make a last minute good impressions so they can get the call up to Qatar, as well as proven starters (Lozano, Edson Alvarez, Ochoa).
The game was a really though test for the Mexican team, who did not create any real danger upfront, all in part of a well organized Peruvian side. “El Tri” couldn’t retain possession and had no creativity on attack, but still managed to escape with a win through a corner kick, followed by a superb finish in close range from their star “Chucky Lozano” (85’). After the match, as expected, fans and media were not happy (again). This team is not in communion with their supporters and everything that even suggests slow improvement is not good enough. Tough crowd.
So everything came down to last night when Mexico faced an even better rival, Colombia (Who unexpectedly didn’t make the World Cup this year) in San Francisco. Things couldn’t get much better as Mexico got a penalty early in the game after a clumsy challenge by Luis Diaz on Uriel Antuna in the box. Alexis Vega took the lead from the spot (6’), and “El Tri” was off to a flying start. The Mexican side was, for the first time in a long time, playing superb football. Creating spaces and chances almost every-time they had possession of the ball. The team found the second goal (29’) after a beautiful through pass from Erick Gutierrez, a screen from Vega, and a perfect finish from LB Arteaga. Towards the end of the first half things were looking good for Mexico that could’ve even increased their advantage.
…And then, it all came down crashing… Something shifted as soon as the second half started, and Colombian forward Sinisterra (Sub at half time) delivered an spectacular header, after very poor defending from Araujo, from a corner, making it 2-1 just four minutes in. The pressure didn’t stop, and Mexico looked as it was about to break at any moment, and that didn’t take long. Finisterra (again) found the equalizer three minutes later (52’), and after that, It was just a matter of time. Wilmar Barrios scored an absolute screamer (68’) completing an easy comeback for the Colombians. “El Tri” didn’t oppose any resistance as they just sat and watched the show. Martino made changes but the damage was done, and Mexico never looked anything close as the team we saw on the first half. (FT 2-3) Even though Martino didn’t play key assets in this game (Edson and Lozano), it’s concerning how the whole squad vanished for the second half.
Final Stretch To The Dessert
As it stands, things could not look more bleak for this Mexican National Team, both on field, as well as off of it.
Off Field: Tata Martino looks as if he’s just waiting for this “nightmare” to end. He is in self-destruct mode and is not even trying to make amends with fans, or the press. It’s not his job to be liked by fans and reporters, but he could at least make an effort to play the part so everyone is on the same page. The Argentinian still has to decide the final roster for Qatar, and he is definitely getting blowback regardless of any decision he makes. Let’s just hope the locker room doesn’t hold him accountable for any “irrational” decisions.
On Field: This team has many flaws there’s no denying it. But fielding his best players for the game against Poland and hope for the best is going to be Martino’s only option. He is not going to make experiments at the biggest stage of all, since this team cannot afford any risks in any of their lines. The team is also hoping to get back in time from injury key players such as Jesus Corona, and Raul Jimenez, who besides poor form, has been plagued with injuries all season long. If these two starters miss the opener, Vega will look to cover Corona’s spot, and the striker position will certainly have more of a debacle among fans and media. Before traveling to Qatar, Mexico will rendezvous in Girona (Spain), where they will have preparation matches against Irak, and Sweden, meaning Martino will have additional time to nail his definitive starting XI.
Mexico excels when they play as underdogs at World Cups, this team is no stranger to pessimism and anxious atmospheres, but in paper, Mexico will be lucky to get out of their group alive (Argentina, Poland, Saudi Arabia), so there’s no point in even mentioning what are their chances of reaching the most desired, almost mythical “fifth game”. We’ll cross that bridge when/if we get there.
