Despite Mexico’s group stage failure at the Copa America this summer and the firing of head coach Jaime Lozano, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch is expecting a tough test on Tuesday when the two CONCACAF rivals meet in Arlington, Texas, for a friendly.
The Canadians, ranked 40th in the FIFA world rankings, are coming off a 2-1 win over the United States, ranked 16th, on Saturday in Kansas City. It was Canada’s first win over the Americans in the United States since 1957.
Although the Maple Leafs are undefeated in their last two outings (1-0-1) against 17th-ranked Mexico, their record against the long-time CONCACAF powerhouse is 5-20-9.
Like the United States, currently under interim head coach Mikey Varas while the United States Soccer Federation concludes negotiations with former Tottenham and Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino, the Mexicans are in transition.
The national team [mexicaine] has been through some tough times. And part of that is because there are a lot of expectations on the players, Marsch said in a video conference call Monday.
But make no mistake. We expect to face a very good team, an organized team, a team with more energy and more commitment, especially with a new head coach. These players are going to want to demonstrate that they want to be involved in the project for the long term.
Mexico is back under the tutelage of veteran Javier Aguirre, who began his third stint with the national team with a 3-0 victory over New Zealand at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday.
We expect a very, very difficult match. [mardi] and we’re preparing to face a smart team, a mobile team, a talented, gifted, committed team, Marsch continued.
Aguirre, 65, has previously coached the national teams of Japan and Egypt. His stint with clubs includes stops in Mexico, Spain and the United Arab Emirates.
Canada and Mexico last met in November 2021 at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton in World Cup qualifying.
A 2-1 victory secured Canada first place in its qualifying group, which included Mexico.
“I think we’ll remember this game forever,” said Canadian vice-captain Stephen Eustaquio, referring to teammate Sam Adekugbe, who jumped into a snowbank on the sidelines to celebrate one of Cyle Larin’s two goals.
Amazing times! We hope to repeat this [mardi].
The victory over the United States on Saturday was Canada’s first match since finishing fourth at the Copa América.
The Canadian goals came on the back of relentless pressure. Marsch promised to repeat the same on Tuesday, while noting the Mexicans are adept at operating in tight spaces.
“We know they’re good with the ball,” Marsch said. “We know they have a lot of players who are mobile and creative. It’s going to be important for us to play a disciplined game, one where we put good defensive pressure on them and make it difficult for their talented, mobile players.”
The Canadians lost Alistair Johnston to a hamstring injury in the game against the United States. The Celtic defender was replaced by Adekugbe, whose initial arrival in camp was delayed by injury.
The Canadians next play at BMO Field in Toronto on Oct. 15 when they host Panama in a friendly. Marsch said Canada Soccer is working on another matchup that could be different from a routine international.
Mexico has already announced such plans, with a match on October 12 against Spanish club Valencia.
We will do something similar, but we are not yet ready to announce what we are going to do, Marsch said.
Canada is 2-3-4 since Marsch took over last May.
Marsch said Canada Soccer is also considering holding camps for non-European players to attract young talent from the CPL and MLS.
