Mexico or El Tri (The Tricolor) have a great tradition of reaching World Cups and have some of the most passionate fans in North & Central America. However, many firmly believe in a curse called the ‘quintido partido’ which has become something of a psychological block for the players too.
This curse relates to Mexico getting knocked out in the Round of 16 seven times and being a barrier the nation can’t move past. Argentina have become a bogy team, and they will square-off yet again in Group C along with Poland and Saudi Arabia.
Paddy football trader David Murphy examines if the Mexicans can shake the curse at the World Cup 2022.
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Mexico World Cup 2022 qualifying record
Mexico came second in North & Central America, only losing out on top spot to Canada thanks to an inferior goal difference. Despite not beating the USA in the Group Stage they still finished above them. Mexico scored only 17 goals in 14 qualifying games, which was the same amount as Panama and way behind Canada (23) and USA (21). They let in eight which was the second-best defensive record in the eight-team group.
Who is the Mexico manager?
Gerardo “Tata” Martinez – an Argentinian coach most famously known for his season in charge of Barcelona in which he did not win any major trophy other than the Spanish Super Cup. He then went on to manage Atlanta Utd in MLS before being asked to manage Mexico in 2019.
Martino prefers to play a very high pressing and attacking style of football which can lead to very exciting games.
Mexico World Cup squad
Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez not being selected for the final World Cup squad has become a topic of much debate, and most do not agree after his flying form for LA Galaxy.
Wolves striker Raul Jimenez looks like he’s also going to be left behind with coach Martinez putting his faith in Mexico-based players and some youngsters playing around Europe, in particular those of PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie.
- Goalkeepers: Alfredo Talavera, Rodolfo Cota, Guillermo Ochoa.
- Defenders: Nestor Araujo, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Gerardo Arteaga, Hector Moreno, Jorge Sanchez, Jesus Gallardo, Jesus Alberto Angulo, Kevin Alvarez.
- Midfielders: Edson Alvarez, Luis Romo, Carlos Rodriguez, Erick Gutierrez , Hector Herrera, Luis Chavez, Andres Guardado, Diego Lainez, Uriel Antuna, Roberto Alvarado, Erick Sanchez, Orbelin Pineda.
- Forwards: Raul Jimenez, Alexis Vega, Rogelio Funes Mori, Henry Martin, Hirving Lozano, Santiago Gimenez, Jesus Manuel Corona.
Mexico Key Player
Midfield enforcer Hector Herrera is probably the second name on the team sheet behind goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. He has plenty of experience under his belt after starring for Atletico Madrid and Porto in the Champions League, so the World Cup stage should not phase him.
Herrera does like a card though, so will have to be on his best behaviour to avoid being suspended for the latter group games or knockout stages should they advance.
Mexico One to Watch
Hirving Lozano has a proven track record playing upfront for Italian side Napoli. At 27 years of age, he is still on the top of his game and has a tremendous amount of Champions League experience too. He will most likely start in attack with Henry Martin in Mexico’s first Group C match against Poland.
Mexico World Cup Prospects
Unfortunately for El Tri, they look unlikely to get out of Group C. This team is not consistent enough and recently each time they have come up against higher-quality teams they’ve lost. It’s hard to see them taking points off Argentina and an organised Poland team led by Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski will cause them problems too.
They may go on to get all three points against the Saudis, but with their stubborn defence Mexico could draw a blank. Third place in the group looks their limit.
Mexico World Cup betting tips
Argentina and Poland will be too strong and organized for an unpredictable Mexican side. MEXICO STAGE OF ELIMINATION: GROUP STAGE
Mexico World Cup Winner Odds
Mexico World Cup 2022 Fixtures
November 22, 4pm: Mexico v Poland (BBC)
November 26, 7pm: Argentina v Mexico (ITV)
November 30, 7pm: Saudi Arabia v Mexico (BBC)
CLICK BELOW FOR TEAM PREVIEWS ON MEXICO’S GROUP C RIVALS
- Argentina World Cup squad analysed
- Poland World Cup squad analysed
- Saudi Arabia World Cup squad analysed
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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