IS THIS THE NEW NORMAL FOR MEXICO IN QUALIFYING?

Like the Spongebob meme says….WHEW!!! That was close. In the end, El Tri pulled out an agonizing victory in Jamaica and inched closer to Qatar. It was a typical CONCACAF match, to say the least. El Tri dominated possession and shots but struggled with their passes in the final third and goals. Unfortunately, under Tata, this has been the norm in CONCACAF.

The last time Tata’s Tri had a string of dominant performances was in the group stage of the Nations League. Then Mexico struggled against Costa Rica to reach the final. It took two PacoMemo saves in PK’s to eek past Los Ticos. In the final…well we all know what happened.

The Gold Cup was another challenge as El Tri struggled to score. They did, however, manage to keep a clean sheet in three groups matches, and their quarter-final match. They limped past Canada in the semi-finals, and in the final….well, again, we know what happened.

Since then Mexico has stumbled through its World Cup Qualifiers. El Tri currently sits in 3rd place winning five matches, losing two, and drawing two. They have managed to score 13 goals so far, but have conceded 8 goals as well, and have only been shut out once…….see Dos a Cero. 

Regrettably, for Tata, this is the new CONCACAF. Teams bring their A+++ game to play El Tri, and they no longer fear or respect Mexico as El Gigante of CONCACAF, and feel they can beat them any given game. Dominant performances are hard to come by now, and this team, and manager, are really lacking confidence.

Fortunately, in a crucial time in Qualifiers, Mexico now has back-to-back home matches against the two squads that trail it in qualifying. The first match may not help with El Tri’s scoring woes, as Keylor Navas and Costa Rica come to town in a must-win game to keep their hopes alive. Then it’s Panama in what may be a must-win game for them as well. 

Expect the next two matches to continue the trend. Los Aztecas will have the bulk of possession, a lot of shots, and a low score. Another trend that will continue will be the #FueraTata hashtag, in what seems to be the new normal for Mexico and its fans.

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