Their Colombian supremo Juan Carlos Osorio – a former conditioning coach at Manchester City before the Abu Dhabi takeover – revels in uncertainty, as he’s used 44 different lineups, and counting, across his tenure.
Results have been just as unpredictable.
A superb first-place finish in CONCACAF qualifying was earned for the first time since 1998.
Yet this followed June 2016’s 7-0 humbling by eventual champions Chile in the Copa America Centenario, their worst-ever result in nine entries. Prior to this, El Tri had won nine and drawn one of Osorio’s games in charge – conceding just twice.
In 2017, semi-final defeats were also registered to teams of contrasting ability. Winners Germany ended hopes with a 4-1 triumph in the Confederations Cup, while a frustrating 1-0 reversal was recorded against minnows Jamaica in the Gold Cup.
This contrasts the startling predictability of Mexico on the game’s grandest stage. Since 1994, they have suffered roundof-16 exits in each tournament.
Only when they hosted the tournament in 1970 and 1986 did they make the quarter-finals. And Russia is a long way from home.
This side is top heavy in attacking talent. Despite a middling debut campaign at West Ham, all-time top scorer Javier Hernandez should see off the threat of Benfica target man Raul Jimenez.
On the wings, the prolific Hirving Lozano has the ability to be a breakout star after his stellar exploits at PSV. With a tactical focus on maintaining position, Porto captain Hector Herrera is key in the middle.
But their soft centre is a worry.
Real Sociedad’s Hector Moreno is the only guaranteed starter in a three-man defence and 39-year-old ex-Barcelona icon Rafael Marquez has been recalled to anchor the midfield for a reason.
Standard Liege goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa’s weakness against crosses accentuates this problem.
Group F begins with a daunting opener against Germany, but after that come kinder ties against South Korea and Sweden.
The true face of Osorio and his charges is about to be learned.
KEY PLAYER
Javier Hernandez
At 29-years old, ‘Chicharito’ already possesses more international goals than Mexico legends such as Hugo Sanchez and Luis Hernandez.
But his talents were not appreciated by David Moyes at West Ham, meaning he comes in undercooked. Will need to be at his best for El Tri to succeed
COACH
Juan Carlos Osorio
Tactical fluidity is the principle that underpins Osorio’s approach. The 56-year-old constantly switches personnel, keeping both his opponents and squad on their toes.
Results have largely been impressive, but stalwarts such as Ochoa are demanding consistency. Will he grant it?
CAPTAIN
Rafael Marquez
The surprise recall for the 39-year-old veteran saw him replace Andres Guardardo as skipper.
His selection means the ex-Monaco and Barcelona defender will become just the third-ever player in history – joining Germany’s Lothar Matthaus and fellow Mexican Antonio Carbajal – to appear in five World Cups.
YOUNG STAR
Hirving Lozano
Scouts at Europe’s biggest clubs will be eagerly studying how the inverted left winger gets on this summer. A fantastic debut campaign for the 22-year-old at PSV concluded with 19 goals plundered from 33 run-outs.
More of the same and a huge move should beckon.
KEY FACTS AND STATS
– Six-consecutive eliminations in the round of 16 at World Cups.
– Minus 35 combined goal difference for Mexico across their 15 world cup entries.
– 50-per-cent fewer goals scored by Chicharito in 2018 qualifying (three) compared to 2014 (six).
FIFA Rating
77 DEF 79 MID 81 ATT
World Cups competed at
16 (First in 1930)
World Cup record
P53, W14, D14, L25
Best finish
Quarter-finals (1970 & 1986)
Qualification record
P16, W11, D4, L1
World ranking
15
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jose de Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca), Guillermo Ochoa (Standard Liege)
Defenders: Hugo Ayala (Tigres), Carlos Salcedo (Eintracht Frankfurt), Diego Reyes (Porto), Miguel Layun (Sevilla), Hector Moreno (Real Sociedad), Edson Alvarz (America), Jesus Gallardo (Monterrrey)
Midfielders: Rafael Marquez (Atlas), Jonathan dos Santos (LA Galaxy) Marco Fabian (Eintracht Frankfurt), Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy), Hector Herrera (Porto), Andres Guardado (Real Betis), Javier Aquino (Tigres)
Forwards: Raul Jimenez (Benfica), Carlos Vela (LAFC), Javier Hernandez (West Ham United), Jesus Manuel Corona (Porto) Oribe Peralta (America), Hirving Lozano (PSV Eindhoven)
VERDICT
Have talent in the ranks to break their attachment to the round of 16. But Osorio’s erratic management and results cause serious question marks.
