Mexico 1, Panama 2: “three strikes, you’re out”

Panama smashed Mexico’s hopes twice in one cup (USA Today)

 

Mexico was at one of its top peaks in recent history at the finish of 2012. Still toting the well deserved Gold medal, the boys in green were walking tall. The future was bright; continue demolishing the region in WCQ, and finish it off with some pizazz during the two upcoming tournaments.

However, after a disastrous start to WCQ and flop out of the Confederations, the Gold cup was supposed to be the last chance to cleanse ourselves of this summer of hell.

The tournament kicked off just as bad as we could have imagined. First, beaten in a Mexican backed Rose Bowl by our Panamanian foes. Followed by two victories which, in short, were snoozers.

After sneaking past Trinidad in the quarterfinals, it almost (keyword) looked as if Mexico would finally wake up to take on Panama for a revenge date. Yet again, Chepo de la Torre did anything but lead this team into the semifinals.

Not only did the game start off identical to the first game, but Chepo still didn’t budge on the changes needed. The two striker failure continued; Rafa Marquez Lugo was slow, lethargic, and looked lost. Chepo started him knowing full blown that he hasn’t scored, or caused any problem for opponents.

Mexico had a mix up on a set piece early in the second half and it was the nail in the almost inevitable coffin. Mexico couldn’t find the second goal…close, but even if they scored, Panama was the much more hungry side.

Mexico is leaving the Gold cup in complete disappointment. As two time reigning champs, the semifinal bow out is the cherry on the top of this summer of failure. The players do not trust Chepo, the tactics look off, and the brakes have given out on this ride. We have seen where it goes from here.

Unfortunately, Mexico fans (like myself) will most likely not get our wish. There will be little chances of a coaching change. There are a plethora of excuses the FMF will use. Injuries, out of form players, not the most crucial of tournaments etc. Are they valid? To an extent. But looking back on this cup, it was predictable.

But is it really hard to see?

• WCQ
• Confederations cup
• Gold cup

Not one, not two, but three major failures.

That’s three Chepo…you’re out.

Mexico 2, Canada 0: Eh

Raul Jimenez(Mexico) scores the first goal in the 2-0 win against Canada(PHOTO MEXSPORT).

Mexico defeated Canada with goals from Raul Jimenez and Marco Fabian.

Three points are enough to position Mexico in the next round of the Gold Cup tournament.

Panama 2, Mexico 1: Gold Cup woes

Mexico started the defense of their Gold Cup 2011 title with a 2-1 loss to Panama.

The game in Pasadena saw Mexico carry on with their recent form despite fielding a different team.

Goals from Gabriel Torres gave Panama three points in group A. Marco Fabian scored the lone goal for Mexico.

All or nothing for U-20

Espericueta has been a leader with this era of U-20’s (Photo: Gero Breloer)

 

On July 2nd, Mexico’s U-20 has an opportunity to turn things around in the World cup. The cup started very poorly for Mexico. Against both Greece and Paraguay, Mexico was supposed to take care of business but looked anything but in-control  Squandered chances left Mexico in a major hole.

However, when it looked grim, and like the U-20 World cup was a bust…they pulled off a miracle. Due to the USA being beaten by Ghana by three, it meant Mexico needed a three goal victory over Mali. Mali going into the game played much better than Mexico with two points. Yet, two quick goals gave Mexico hope. After 90 minutes, Mexico had a 4-1 miraculous victory.

Now, Mexico is paired against a very talented Spain side. Spain were the best team in their group after winning every game. They did slip up a bit against Ghana, only winning 1-0. But, for Mexico, there is a lot fo work to do.

So far Jorge Espericueta and Jésus Corona have been the best for Mexico. They will need a very strong game to lead Mexico against the rivaled Spaniards.

Mexico’s weakest spot has been the defense (and by far). Spain has a crack in Jesé who has four goals in the tournament. It is pivotal for El Tri to take care of things defensively, because they have yet to keep a clean sheet in Turkey.

A win can propel Mexico multitudes, but it won’t come easy. El Tri needs to leave everything on the pitch and fight 90 minutes. They have the talent, and have had enough luck to make it this far. Time to show the world they can hang with the best.

*Final note: Mexico is, unfortunately, the final CONCACAF team left in this tournament. This could be a bad sign for upcoming spots for the region in the U-20 World cup.

Vamos México!