Mexico won 0-0 against Guatemala on Wednesday night, at risk of learning too much in a 90-minute friendly attended by many inexperienced national team players. At Camping World Stadium in Orlando, El Tri had many balls but could not break the Central American resistance.
During the World Cup year for Mexico, coach Gerardo “Tata” was gracious on many occasions that Martino could learn the listed lessons and change his approach for the better through official exhibitions and competitions.
After Wednesday’s draw, here are three takeaways that stand out from the competition.
– 2022 World Cup Final brackets and matches
– ESPN + Visitors Guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup and more
– Futbol Américas on ESPN+: MLS, Liga MX, USMNT, El Tri
Different list, same Mexico
Despite only having two players on the youth roster with 10+ senior caps, Martino looked like a Mexican team despite not being able to travel to the tournament due to recovering from eye treatment. There was a problem in the World Cup qualifying. Lots of possessions, good horizontal passing and change of dominance, but the final three…needless to say really.
“We had the ball, we dominated the game. Today, we blew scoring opportunities,” Martino’s passing assistant George Taylor said.
There was a significant amount of energy from the avid starting XI, who averaged 23.5 years, but regardless of their motivation, it led to rare situations of danger on the web. Only two of Mexico’s 19 shots hit the target. According to TruMedia/StatsPerform, The Tri’The long list of shots could only generate a total xG count of 0.71. Guatemala, like many CONCACAF opponents, gradually leaned back and enjoyed the pressure from Mexico.
Above, attackers like Santiago Kimines, Alejandro Gentajes, Roberto Alvarado and Sebastián Córdova had difficulty getting up. While most of these names had standout moments, they rarely worked well together, especially when Kimneys was the forward. With no real timing, Guatemala had no problem winning a shutout.
Of Mexico’s last six matches in all competitions, only four goals have been scored so far. In a match that should have revealed some answers to some of Mexico’s problems with attack, they looked like the usual problems seen earlier this year.
Arsenal’s fluorine is still to be shown
Once again, it is not better to evaluate a player from only one game. In the case of Arsenal youth squad Marcelo Flores, 18, the young Mexican-Canadian’s notice is just 29 minutes from Wednesday.
Floris said it was reasonable to expect more after his recent comments about the future of the national team.
Although he did not play badly, the player’s caution was surprising, who recently said: “Canada also loves me, but if Mexico invites me to the World Cup, I think I should be there.”
Importantly, after a senior appearance ahead of the recent friendly match, he is putting more pressure on himself and Mexico to consider him at Qatar 2022.
Flores’ response on the pitch was excellent. Requiring a risk taker or game changer, Flores gave Mexico a terrifying performance, but nowhere near what a player playing in the World Cup could offer.
The teenager has immense potential and will soon be making his Premier League debut, but for now, he will have to prove much more internationally before securing a place in Qatar.
Regular Mexico headlines can heave a sigh of relief
On Wednesday, the enthusiasm of Mexican soccer fans and the media grew for the alternative list called by Martino. When he finally filed a slew of complaints about junior and backup options that the GM didn’t adequately address, Martino used the latest friendship to try out some new faces.
After 90 minutes on Wednesday, it’s hard to say which player made the most significant moves at the deep table. Among the most impressive names at first glance, right midfielder Alejandro Gentezas became more involved in playmaking and excelled in pursuit. Behind him, Kevin Alvarez, who turned right, was also left alone with his brave runs to the side.
Out of them, perhaps only midfielders Luis Chavez and Eric Sanchez were the best, but they should have created chances to advance as well.
For the usual and highly criticized Martino choices, this is all fantastic news. In a game that should have been a straight win against a CONCACAF minnow, many of Mexico’s starters failed to impress.
Some of these backups may have even more prospective opportunities.
“This is not the last chance for the players, that is what Gerardo Martino decides. We still have games,” Taylor said.
With Mexico aiming to make a splash in Qatar, the entire team needs to improve in the upcoming games this summer.
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