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If you stood on the far side of State Farm Stadium, close to the section of the arena vibrant with the green and red of Mexico’s jerseys, you could mistake Sunday night’s 0-0 draw that eliminated them from the Copa America group stage for a funeral. A morbid silence washed over the 63,000-strong supporters’ section. They watched Ecuador collapse with exhaustion and relief while manager Jaime Lozano stormed down the tunnel. They saw star striker and future of the national team Santi Gimenez wander throughout the field, clearly disconnected from the build-up.
Most importantly, they saw what had been touted as their most talented squad in decades come up short when it mattered most. Again.
Yet again, Mexico has crashed out of an important tournament after years of restructuring and rebuilding. Sluggish to adapt, dull in attack, and thoroughly outplayed against Ecuador and Venezuela, Mexico is miles away from where it needs to be for 2026. It’s suffered from a lack of identity, a refusal to adjust both on and off the field, and conflicts between officials, players, and fans are rampant. Mexico has been wandering without reason, stuck in an endless swath of mediocrity for decades. Their 0-0 draw to Ecuador was only the latest disappointment. Their problems cut deep.
Mexico’s wave of mediocrity started in 2010
If you’re searching for any kind of explanation for Mexico’s early exit in 2024, the answers go as far back as 2010. The 2010 World Cup. Take a look at Mexico’s run of form in major competitions from then until the present:
World Cup 2010: round of 16 finishCopa América 2011: group stage without points (it was with a reinforced sub U22 side)World Cup 2014: round of 16Copa América 2015: eliminated in the group stage (last in the group)Copa América 2016: eliminated in the quarterfinals, losing 7-0 against Chile World Cup 2018: round of 16World Cup 2022: eliminated in the group stage, andCopa América 2024: eliminated in the…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america/mexico-crashes-out-of-copa-america-14-years-of-underachievement/
Author : Deolu Akingbade
Publish date : 2024-07-01 21:33:10
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