How Much Progress Can Mexico Make?

If you were to sum up the Mexican style of play, you could do so by saying they have a neat balance of flair and strength. Nothing too exuberant in attack, nothing too fancy when it comes to keeping goals out at the other end.

A balance that serves them well when it comes to not only qualifying for the World Cup but appearances in the finals themselves. While it is a balance that has also seen them reach the Round of 16 in each of their last seven tournament showings.

A run that began all the way back in 1994 and has continued through to 2018. Solid, resilient, hardworking. They are just three of the main qualities required to be a Mexico international star and if you possess these, you will soon be given the chance to wear their famous green jersey.

While the class of 2022 will also be looking to extend their run of Round of 16 appearances and after their 0-0 draw against Poland, it is fair to say that qualification to the knockout phase now hangs in the balance.

They may have ridden their luck after Poland’s Robert Lewandowski saw his penalty saved after the interval. On another day, the former Bayern Munich forward slots home from 12 yards and the European nation get off to a perfect start.

However, that other day will have to unfold some other time and after Poland and Mexico played out a stalemate, Group C has a rather different look to the one that all soccer fans would have anticipated.

Because even the most confident Saudi Arabia fan could not have envisaged what would happen earlier that day. With Argentina looking well in control before the half time whistle, many were wondering just how many goals would be placed in the opposition net.

Fast forward 45 minutes and everyone is wondering just how Herve Renard masterminded an incredible comeback victory over one of the outright World Cup favourites. While it is a result that has now made life more difficult for Mexico in terms of qualification.

The fact that they only managed a draw with Poland is not the issue. It is now that Group C is a four-horse race for only two invites to the next round and if progress is to be made, they are going have to do things the hard way.

A way that sees them go up against Argentina in their next fixture and with Lionel Messi and company certainly having a point to prove, it may be difficult to get much in the way of overall possession.

If the PSG forward can keep the ball and make it his own personal plaything, it could prove to be a long afternoon for Tata Martino’s Mexico side and after drawing a blank against Poland, you do wonder where goals are going to come from.

With Raul Jimenez struggling for form in the Premier League, he will need to find his feet at just the right time. He may not have the full weight of the nation on his shoulders, but he certainly has their World Cup hopes resting on them and now he will hope to score against Argentina.  

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