MEXICO’S OLYMPIC SAGA: THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE NEXT ROUND

El Tri knocked off South Africa 3-0 to secure its spot in the next round of the Olympic Tournament. Mexico will now face South Korea on Saturday, July 31st, with a spot in the semis on the line. 

THE GOOD

LOS REFUERZOS HAVE WORKED

The three players El Jimmy chose to help his Olympic squad have so far been good ones. 

Memo Ochoa wasn’t really tested in the groups stage, he did make some key saves early in games and his leadership before, during ,and after games has benefited the team and will be of immense importance in the next round of games. 

Luis Romo has helped solidify El Tri’s midfield and his relationship in the midfield with Charlie Rodriguez has anchored Lozano’s squad.  

Henry Martin’s stats will never pop off the screen, but his blue collar work ethic is something every team sorely needs to succeed. His movement has opened the attack for the likes of Lainez, Antuna, and Vega to exploit the spaces in behind him.

LOSS TO JAPAN HELPED

While the loss to Japan was unexpected, it might be the turning point for Mexico moving forward. Mexico’s weakness and slight arrogance were exposed in the match and helped in refocusing the squad. It seems like Lozano took the loss as a learning experience, and the team seemed more intense in their match against South Africa.

ANTUNA IS TWO PEOPLE

I am now convinced that Uriel Antuna is actually two people. One is evil, plays for Chivas and is terrible, and one plays for Mexico and is amazing. His play in the Pre-Olympic Tournament and the group stage so far has been stunning. He has one assist to his name this tournament, but were it not for bad definitions and a shot to the post he could easily have two or three. He will be a key player for Lozano moving forward.

THE BAD

EFECTO MUTED

El Efecto Lainez is yet to be seen or felt in Japan. Lainez has only taken one shot in three games so far with no goals and has one assist. He will have to step up and be the game-changer he has been with La Mayor to get Mexico to the medal games.

DEFENSIVE QUESTIONS

El Cachorro had a horrible group stage to say the least. He has committed four fouls so far, two of them PK’s at crucial times in games. He will have to play much better to pay back Lozano for his continued trust. His latest partnership with Angulo seemed to stabilize Montes in the last match.

THE NEXT ROUND

Mexico is the favorite going into their match against South Korea, with Draft Kings having  them at -1.5. South Korea will pose an interesting challenge for El Tri. Japan showed that Mexico struggles against quick aggressive teams. The loss of Charlie Rodriguez will be an interesting tactical challenge for Lozano, but he has the players to make it work, and should advance to the next round.

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