Mexico’s new era under coach Rafael Márquez has gotten off to a rough start, with the team earning only two goals in its first four games. The team drew 1-1 with Colombia and Peru, lost 3-0 to the United States, and closed out the series with a 0-2 loss to Chile.
The only Mexican goals were scored by Gilberto Mora and Víctor Guzmán. Márquez gave opportunities to both young players and those who participated in the World Cup, but the results raised concerns about both groups.
Against Chile, Mexico had 64% possession and took 15 shots, but only three were on target and none resulted in a goal. The team’s forwards failed to capitalize on the absences of Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones, who were both injured.
Santiago Giménez, Armando González, and Germán Berterame were given chances to play, but none of them scored. Giménez played in three games and missed two clear opportunities, including one in the loss to the United States.
Mexico’s goalkeepers also struggled, with none of them able to keep a clean sheet. Rangel, who was the starter in the World Cup, allowed four goals in two games and made two critical errors against the United States.
Óscar García and Álex Padilla also played, but neither was able to prevent goals. Márquez used all three of his goalkeepers, but none of them was able to shut out the opposition.
The team’s base from Chivas, which included six players, also failed to impress. Rangel made mistakes, Diego Campillo lost the ball on the third goal against the United States, and Luis Romo left the game with an injury.
Márquez’s plans were also disrupted by injuries and suspensions. Lozano, Mora, and Romo all left the team due to injuries, and Mateo Chávez was suspended after being ejected from the game against the United States.
Lozano had returned to the team after missing the World Cup and played 64 minutes against Colombia, but Mora was released due to physical discomfort after scoring a goal and creating a chance for another player.
The team’s experienced players also failed to provide stability. Márquez started with seven players from the World Cup team, but they were unable to prevent losses. The mix of young and experienced players did not protect the team’s defense, and mistakes were made by both groups.
Denzell García, who had assisted on a goal against Peru, lost the ball on the play that led to the 0-2 loss to Chile. The goal was the result of a mistake by a young player and a failed mark by an experienced player.
