Is Mexico’s respect for “Las Vacas Sagradas” costing them “El quinto partido”?
We all are familiar with the term “Vacas Sagradas”. El Tri legends that become untouchable and oftentimes get a farewell selection to a World Cup, but is this common practice in Mexico hurting their chances to reach the sought-after “quinto partido”?
From Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Adolfo Bautista in South Africa 2010 to Rafa Marquez and Chuy Corona in Russia 2018, there have been many examples of Mexico’s short-term thinking. Sure Cuauhtemoc and Marquez are two of the five greatest Mexican players of all time, but, Is paying them homage more important than building the foundations for the future? Let’s find out.
Mexico with 28.5 years has the 2nd oldest team in Qatar 2022. Some might think that is a good thing, experience is what matters the most right? Well, history says otherwise, the average age of World Cup Winners is 26 years old and when you dig deeper and you see World Cup favorites France with a midfield led by Aurelien Tchouameni aged 22, and Brazil with eight of their nine elite offensive players, being 25 or under you can’t help but be concerned with the absence of long term planning from “Los Aztecas”.
Leaving a player with a bright future like Santos star Carlos Acevedo out of Qatar in favor of three goalkeepers over the age of 35 was the first “sin” Martino made in his selection. Then giving Andres Guardado (36) the nod over Erick Sánchez (23) who was in great form for the Liga MX Champions Tuzos it’s a choice that is questionable at best, sure “El Principito” has tremendous experience and great touch but his pace and stamina are not what is required to deal with the midfield monsters you’re going to face in the group stage, players like Rodrigo de Paul and Zielinski will not forgive these deficiencies. But, above all, Gerardo Martino’s most unpopular and controversial decision was leaving Europa League’s top scorer Santiago Giménez out of the final list.
The Noria wunderkind is taking the Netherlands by storm with 6 goals for the Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord, his great physique and form could be a game-changer for a Mexican team that needs scoring from their center forwards, with a questionable Rogelio Funes Mori and Raul Jimenez who has played 45 minutes in the last 3 months, only Aguilas stud Henry Martin is in good form to be the starter “número 9” at the biggest stage.
This determination by the Argentinean coach is not only going to hurt Mexico’s possibilities in this World Cup but additionally, it will hinder Santiago Giménez, Erick Sánchez, Diego Lainez, and Carlos Acevedo growth, those four players are positioned to be key in the aspirations of Mexico in 2026, a World Cup that will be played in North American soil and probably the biggest opportunity El TRI has to finally defeat their demons and reach that glorious “quinto partido”.
Being in a World Cup it’s a tremendous deal, it builds confidence and expertise, unfortunately, because of the stubbornness that Tata and many coaches prior had by protecting the “Vacas Sagradas”, “Chaquito” and several others have been depraved from that World Cup experience. Until we learn to trust our youth we won’t reach the glory because greatness cannot be achieved if you mortgage your future.
