3 Quick Reactions to Mexico’s loss to the US
The inaugural champion of the Nations League was crowned tonight with the United States taking home the trophy with the score of 3-2 in extra time.
A Denver crowd of 37,648 got to experience one of the most thrilling matchups between Mexico and the United States in their storied history. The result is the least of Mexico’s problem at the moment as many questions linger for Tata Martino and his team.
- The US (at least right now) is better than Mexico
After a disappointing game against Honduras, there were a lot of questions for a US team that had a lot of pressure to get results and, most importantly, play well.
Things did not go as planned in the opening 60 seconds of the Final when Tecatito was able to hammer in a goal pass to Zach Steffen. The Manchester City keeper would go out injured in the second half but this would turn out to be a key moment of the match as his replacement, Ethan Horvath, would later stop Andres Guardado’s penalty kick in the 124th minute.
Gio Reyna, Winston McKennie and Christian Pulisic have taken the mantle from Landon Donovan and the other US legends and are ready to take their legacy to new heights.
- Efecto Lainez
If you were anywhere near social media during the course of the Nations League Final you could read the chirping from the Mexican fans clamoring for for Club America winger Diego Lainez. After starting during the Nations League semi-final, Lainez was benched in favor of the speedy Uriel Antuna against the US.
The Real Betis winger made an immediate impact after coming in for Uriel Antuna after scoring in the 79th minute. Lainez was easily gliding by the US defense and creating opportunities for the rest of his teammates. Tonight’s game was the coming out party for a player that was heavily criticized by the press and fans in years prior for being a non-factor on the field but that now has become a National Team mainstay.
- Mexico needs Chicharito
Mexico needs Chicharito. Plain and simple. Henry Martin has been given plenty of opportunities under Tata Martino and has not performed. Alan Pulido was not given much playing time during these Nations League games and it makes you wonder if Tata really trust the former Chivas striker.
Will Jimenez be able to regain his exceptional form? There is no way to know. So what will Tata Martino do? Continue to call Pulido and Martin? Wait for Funes Mori? The answer is Chicharito.
Chicharito brings a proven track record of scoring in the international stage. His form has rebounded back from his terrible 2020 and has to be given a chance after his excellent start to the MLS season.
Mexico can no longer wait for an answer at striker with the Gold Cup and World Cup Qualifiers looming.
