Mexico speaking factors: Small step ahead, however striker woes persist amid annoyed followers

There’s motive to really feel cautiously optimistic about Mexico.

Within the first set of video games beneath new males’s head coach Javier Aguirre, who beforehand led El Tri in 2001-02 and 2009-10, Mexico kicked issues off in undefeated vogue with a 3-0 victory over New Zealand and a 0-0 draw with Canada. The friendlies did have hurdles — particularly in opposition to Canada — however enhancements have been seen from the as soon as lackluster facet that lately stumbled out of the 2024 Copa América group stage beneath former coach Jaime “Jimmy” Lozano.

It is early days within the Aguirre period, however after viewing 180+ minutes of play, listed here are 4 speaking factors from Mexico’s first worldwide break with their new chief on the sideline.

Though small, Mexico take one step ahead

Certain, you will not discover many El Tri followers which can be strolling with their heads held excessive after defeating a group ranked 94th on the planet and drawing in opposition to a regional facet which can be historically perceived as beneath them, however there was undoubtedly a renewed power on show. Towards New Zealand, there was a noteworthy starvation from numerous gamers, together with standouts similar to Luis Romo and Orbelín Pineda. Ways and technique will clearly take time, however concerning the group’s perspective, it was spectacular to see the motivation on show.

In a dialog with ESPN forward of the worldwide break, Mexico sporting director Duilio Davino praised supervisor Aguirre’s character that would impress his gamers.

“Javier’s persona,” famous Davino when requested concerning the coach’s traits that stood out. “That undoubtedly makes it potential for a Mexican participant to carry out their greatest.”

That drive was highlighted in a extra aggressive vogue of their following sport in opposition to Canada after allotting 13 fouls and incomes two yellows inside the first 45 minutes, however Aguirre ultimately readjusted his group and closed out the pleasant with a promising and proactive second half.

Scoreless streak continues for Gimenez

Undefeated begin to Aguirre’s tenure? Test. Permitting zero objectives alongside the best way? Test that one as properly. A purpose on your star striker that hasn’t discovered the again of the online for his nation in over a 12 months? Nicely…

Regardless of being an environment friendly finisher for Feyenoord, the identical cannot be mentioned for rising star Santiago Giménez in terms of Mexico. After scoring a dramatic game-winner in 2023’s Gold Cup last, the 23-year-old has now been unable to earn a purpose in his final 14 El Tri appearances.

Towards Canada, that streak was practically snapped when goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair denied a shot from shut vary within the 54th minute, thereby sustaining Giménez’s purpose drought. Nonetheless, Aguirre does not appear bothered about any of his out-and-out strikers that did not rating within the worldwide window.

“I am not apprehensive,” mentioned Mexico’s coach after Tuesday’s scoreless draw. “We have had two video games with Santi, with Memo [Martinez] and with Henry [Martin] they usually realize it. I do not care who scores.”

That mentioned, one 12 months continues to be a very long time for Giménez’s drought. Widely known as the subsequent large Mexican star, extra is predicted of the ahead that hasn’t stepped up sufficient in high-profile moments.

With Marquez as teaching assist, Mexico’s protection shined

It is maybe unsurprising from a supervisor who was tasked with avoiding relegation in his earlier position in Spain, however Aguirre shortly showcased that he may arrange a stable defensive sport plan.

Whereas Canada have been held to an xG of simply 0.26, New Zealand have been much more ineffective with their xG of 0.07. Throughout these matches, it was troublesome to ask extra of gamers like César Montes, Israel Reyes, Johan Vásquez and Víctor Guzmán who have been dependable in Mexico’s backline.

“I feel we’re happy,” mentioned Vasquez post-game to TUDN when discussing Tuesday’s draw. “It wasn’t straightforward taking part in in opposition to Canada, which had simply completed an excellent Copa America and was very motivated.”

In fact, Aguirre should not be the one one being given credit score for the back-to-back clear sheets.

Standing by him as assistant, Mexican icon and former Barcelona defender Rafa Marquez has an immense quantity of expertise and know-how that may elevate Mexico’s defensive blueprint. Through the match in opposition to New Zealand, the digicam at one level minimize to Marquez chatting throughout a hydration break with Montes, who would go on to offer a handful of important clearances.

In web, goalkeeper Luis Malagon also needs to be celebrated for his invaluable and highlight-worthy save in opposition to Canada that helped keep the scoreline at 0-0.

Mexico nonetheless have to win again followers

One space of concern for Mexico: The assist within the stands.

After a dismal Copa América run that was indicative of the regression of the Concacaf giants over the previous few years, El Tri has now annoyed a fanbase that’s arguably the biggest in North American soccer. Nicely-known for packing NFL venues and large stadiums, many supporters determined to remain house final Saturday within the win over New Zealand that had simply 25,271 watching within the 90,000+ capability Rose Bowl.

Issues improved in Dallas on Tuesday with 32,623 watching the scoreless draw at AT&T Stadium, however these numbers are nonetheless beneath expectations when taking part in in Texas, which together with California, is seen as a second house for Mexico.

Granted, elements did come into play. Saturday’s sport in Pasadena simply so occurred to land on a scorching weekend wherein a meteorologist advised the L.A. Times that “That is about essentially the most vital warmth wave we have had within the metro space for a number of years.”

Contemplating that the next sport landed through the center of the work week, over 30,000+ is not precisely a foul quantity for a pleasant. And but, what has made Mexico’s as soon as unwavering assist so highly effective is that no matter any elements, followers would normally pay good cash to observe them wherever and every time.

It is clear that is now not the case, and it is now as much as Aguirre to not solely revitalize the group, but in addition the aficionados within the stands.