Mexico vs Saudí Arabia Preview
After a heartbreaking loss against Argentina, the scenario for Mexico looks grim. They fell short yet again when they had an opportunity to make history, with a confusing starting line up from Tata Martino and reports coming out of the Mexican camp that players are greatly affected by this defeat the odds of advancing to the Round of 16 don’t look good.
They essentially need to win by 4 goals if they want to depend on themselves, a feat that seems unlikely for a team that is yet to score in the World Cup.
Being eliminated in Group Stage would be the biggest embarrassment since the “Chachirules” fiasco in 1990 and with Tata basically out of the team after Qatar there’s no sign of positivity among El Tri fans.
México needs to change immediately if they want to remain alive, but how can they do it? What are the keys to this do or die game?
Well first they have to be more aggressive, most of Mexico’s possession have been short lateral passes from the defenders, that is useless when you need 4 goals. Tata also has to stop being so stubborn and bench Herrera who has not done a great job in the midfield.
Scoring early will be extremely important, Saudí Arabia needs at least a tie, and being down early will make them take more risks which can open the door for mistakes that El Tri can capitalize on.
Saudí Arabia, on the other hand, needs to remain calm and take advantage of Mexico’s urgency, if they can extend the tie to the 2nd half, Tata’s team will be more vulnerable to fast breaks and that’ll open an opportunity to give Mexico the final knockout.
Now let’s take a look at what line up Tata Martino has in mind.
Mexico possible starting XI
GK: Guillermo Ochoa
RB: Jorge Sánchez
CB: Cesar Montes
CB: Héctor Moreno
LB: Jesus Gallardo
DM: Edson Alvarez
DM: Luis Chávez
OM: Orbelin Pineda
RW: Hirving Lozano
LW: Alexis Vega
ST: Henry Martin
The stage is set, it’s now or never, kill or be killed, no room for error.
Mexico will face their demons this Wednesday, a positive result could energize the team enough to give them a slim chance in a possible Round of 16 match up against the juggernaut France.
