Mexico wrapped up their final FIFA window this month however as an alternative of leaving fantastic sensations, they left extra questions than solutions. They completed the primary half of the 12 months with two trophies, Nations League and Gold Cup, however the final half ended and not using a single win. With seven months left till the World Cup, Mexico seems like they may crash out within the group stage of the match.
Mexico began the 12 months with their annual pleasant in January. As a result of their camp being held exterior of an official FIFA window solely Liga MX gamers have been called-up. Mexico ended up going through two South American golf equipment, Internacional and River Plate. Of their first match-up towards Internacional they surprised the Brazilian group as they received 2-0. With all the boldness on the planet, Javier Aguirre and Mexico traveled to Argentina the place they have been defeated 0-2. Their first matches of the 12 months led to a 1-1 file and whereas some followers have been alarmed there was no cause for it. Mexico confronted South American golf equipment and acquired a style of inauspicious competitors, which they hadn’t shortly. These sorts of checks have been what Mexico wanted 18 months out earlier than the World Cup.
Commercial
The primary official FIFA window opened up in March as Mexico would play within the Concacaf Nations League. For the reason that competitors’s inception, Mexico had didn’t win a title because the USA had dominated each iteration to this point. Raul Jimenez had made his return to the nationwide group after his type had dipped and lots of hoped he would come by for Mexico in a contest that they had but to win. Jimenez delivered as he scored two targets within the semifinal towards Canada and scored one other brace within the ultimate towards Panama to win their first ever Nations League trophy. This trophy gave Mexico followers hope because the Gold Cup approached and the World Cup 15 months away.
The June FIFA window approached with a pair of friendlies towards European groups. They confronted Switzerland and Turkey and this was a giant check Mexico wanted. The primary sport towards the Swiss was a disappointment as they misplaced 2-4. Towards Turkey, Aguirre determined to make massive adjustments as he modified 10/11 gamers within the lineup. These adjustments paid off as Mexico received 1-0. It wasn’t the rating line individuals anticipated however they secured the win and turned issues round in comparison with the match towards Switzerland. This optimistic outcome was what Mexico wanted earlier than the beginning of the Gold Cup.
Mexico opened the Gold Cup towards the Dominican Republic the place they received 3-2 however it was not a convincing win. Their subsequent match towards Suriname led to a 2-0 win. Whereas Mexico stored a clear sheet, there have been nonetheless obvious points. These points turned outstanding throughout their ultimate group stage match towards Costa Rica. This match led to a 0-0 draw the place the group was criticized as they need to have overwhelmed Costa Rica simply. But they struggled to get a aim and their Gold Cup journey as much as that time was not the most effective. Within the quarterfinal towards Saudi Arabia Mexico defeated their opponent with a 2-0 rating. They have been the higher group between the 2 however it nonetheless wasn’t an awesome efficiency. Regardless, they made the semifinals and Honduras was standing of their method of one other ultimate. As soon as once more Mexico struggled however they have been in a position to grasp onto a 1-0 outcome due to Raul Jimenez. This lone aim was sufficient to get them by to the ultimate towards rivals the USA. They got a shock to start out the sport as their opponents opened the rating however they bounced again to win the sport and elevate one other Gold Cup trophy. Whereas they could have received one other title, Mexico was not of their greatest type as particular person gamers pulled by once they wanted it most. A minimum of Mexico ended the match on a optimistic notice as this was their greatest problem earlier than the World Cup subsequent summer season and there’s nothing higher than successful a trophy.
With how optimistic the primary half and summer season went for Mexico, many anticipated them to shut out the 12 months on one other optimistic notice however that was not the case. In September that they had two friendlies towards Japan and South Korea. The primary match towards Japan led to a scoreless draw whereas South Korea virtually led to a loss. Mexico was rescued due to a late aim by Santiago Gimenez who had but to carry out as much as expectations with Mexico. The subsequent window in October ended badly as effectively after Mexico misplaced the primary sport towards Colombia and drew towards Ecuador. Within the second sport they have been in a position to rating however their efficiency was dangerous. Then got here the final worldwide window which noticed the identical outcomes. A scoreless draw towards Uruguay and 1-2 loss to Paraguay. A loss was not the best way Mexico wished to finish the 12 months.
Within the first half of the 12 months Mexico had a 9-1-2 file. Their first sport of the 12 months ended with a stunning 2-0 win the place they moved onto a profitable spring and summer season. Within the spring they received the Nations League trophy and in the summertime they received the Gold Cup. Mexico was extra dominant in the course of the Nations League and it appeared as if the group had improved however then the Gold Cup arrived. Mexico was in a position to win that competitors however it was in the best way they performed that left some doubts. In all of the video games they performed within the match they have been higher than their opponent however they weren’t dominant. Mexico not solely must win however they should present their dominance however they have been unable to take action. They struggled and it was obvious however they got a move as a result of trophy. Their struggles in the summertime match turned obvious within the second half of the 12 months the place they didn’t win a single sport. It was as if it was a unique group but when one appeared actual shut it wasn’t. This group has struggled all 12 months spherical and if it wasn’t for particular person gamers, they wouldn’t have had as many wins as they did. The reality is that Mexico shouldn’t be prepared for the World Cup if it have been to be performed tomorrow. If Mexico performs like they’ve been as of late, their worst nightmare goes to occur within the World Cup: being grouped as a number nation.