Mexico likes to get out in transition and try to score at will under new manager Tata Martino, who formerly guided the Argentina men’s national team from the 2014 FIFA World Cup until July 2016. Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Hirving Lozano of Napoli, and the promising Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord are some of their important attacking players.
Martino supports a high-pressing style of soccer with those attackers. This strategy was evident at the 2021 Gold Cup, where Mexico generated 21 significant scoring opportunities over six games.
Additionally, there isn’t much resistance to taking shots on this Mexico team. Martino’s team attempted an astounding 114 shots in those same six Gold Cup games. Only 39 of those attempts succeeded in hitting the goal, hence Mexico can be considered a quantity over quality shooting squad going into this World Cup.
Mexico’s Group C Fixtures
- Mexico-Poland
22 November, 16:00 local time
- Mexico-Argentina
26 November, 19:00 local time, Lusail Stadium
- Mexico-Saudi Arabia
30 November, 19:00 local time, Lusail Stadium
The Strategy and Actions of Gerardo Martino
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Some fans, writers, and even some ex-players are still demanding for the Argentinean’s ouster as Mexico’s coach, casting doubt on his future in the position. Martino declared, “I’m committed to the aim of reaching the quarterfinals at the World Cup, but I want to put in place a system and a distinct style of play before then,” in the news conference that immediately followed his employment. Despite the criticism, Martino is unwavering in his desire to work toward that goal.
Martino hasn’t, at least not consistently, used that system or style of play yet. He will be unable to use Jesus Corona’s services in Qatar, for example, due to a number of medical conditions. Martino declared, “I’m not just a public enemy; I’m public enemy number one in Mexico,” acknowledging the severity of the animosity being hurled at him. Despite shifting players and the duties and tasks they fulfil; he has largely maintained his preferred 4-3-3 formation.
Important figure: Hirving Lozano
Mexico’s primary goal in its World Cup aspirations. At Russia 2018, the performer known as Chucky became well-known thanks to a chant created by Tri fans in his honour and set to the rhythm of The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army. He can play in a number of offensive positions, including centre-forward, but he is usually positioned wide on one of the flanks.
Lozano scored the goal that gave El Tri a historic victory over Germany in the Russian World Cup group stage. After impressing for his country in the world finals one year prior, the winger joined Napoli for the highest sum ever paid for a Mexican player. Since then, he has had an impact on the Serie A champion team. When the ball is in his hands, Lozano moves very quickly, has a natural ability to spot holes behind defences, and has the speed and agility to trouble any back line. The future of Mexico is heavily dependent on his ability.
One to Watch in the FIFA World Cup is Diego Lainez
The European football press has named Lainez, one of Martino’s younger players, as one of the most promising young players to have appeared in the preceding five years. He still has a lot of potential and possesses all the necessary skills to make a significant impact in Qatar. After becoming well-known among Americans, he relocated to Real Betis in Spain in 2019. He was subsequently loaned out to the Portuguese club Braga this season after making insufficient first-team appearances, where he has been vying for a position in the World Cup.
One of Mexico’s newest and most promising talents is Lainez, a bronze medallist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Thanks to his match-winning talent, the wide player thrived while representing his country at every age level, earning the moniker “The Mexican Messi.” In Qatar 2022, he might get the chance to show off his prowess to the world.
Mexico at the FIFA World Cup
When it comes to the World Cup, Mexico keeps winning. Since USA 1994, each time they have moved past the group stage, their aspirations have been shattered by heart-breaking defeats in the round of 16, making it seven straight exits for a country with an increasing fixation with reaching the last eight.
It seemed as though that depressing skid may come to an end in Russia 2018. El Tri kicked off the tournament with that well-known victory against the defending champions Germany, and they maintained the positive momentum by overcoming Korea Republic 2-1. Then, in their last group match against Sweden, they were humiliated 3-0, dropping them to second place in Group F and setting up a dreadful round-of-16 encounter with Brazil.
Mexico was swiftly eliminated from the competition with a score of 2-0, and they envied Sweden as they advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Switzerland with a score of 1-0. Mexico will attempt to get past the quarterfinals when it co-hosts the competition in 2026, something they have only done in the past when hosting the competition, as they did in 1970 and again in 1986.
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