The 1-1 draw between Mexico and Ecuador, yesterday Tuesday at the Akron Stadium in Jalisco, caused a loud boo from the fans, a reflection of the discontent that the fans are experiencing with the performance of the National Team less than nine months before the opening of the 2026 World Cup.
After the 4-0 defeat against Colombia and the setback at home against the Ecuadorians, doubts reappeared around the team led by Javier Aguirre.
“When we won the two Cups everything was going smoothly. Now, after these results, people return to skepticism, to doubts about lineups and the system. We have to get used to it,” said the coach.
After winning the Nations League and the Gold Cup, both this year, optimism seemed to return, but the draws against South Korea and Japan, along with recent results, changed the atmosphere.
“I can inflate results by bringing in rivals, but from minute one I said no. We were able to win the official competitions against the best in the area and from then on they are top rivals. This not being able to win is making us stronger,” said “Vasco” Aguirre.
The strategist acknowledged that some players did not meet expectations and will continue the search to define the final roster for the World Cup.
For the next FIFA date, Mexico will face Uruguay in Torreón and Paraguay in San Antonio, while in January two other friendly duels could be played in Central America, although they are not yet confirmed.
One of the most talked about topics is the goal.
Aguirre acknowledged that “the position where he has the most doubts is goalkeeper” and that none of the seven called up has convinced him.
Luis Malagón did not take advantage of his opportunity, Raúl Rangel had a solid performance against Ecuador, and Carlos Acevedo did not play. The return of Guillermo Ochoa, currently at AEL Limassol in Cyprus, seems imminent.
Aguirre praised the veteran goalkeeper, who seeks to expand his legend, with a view to his sixth World Cup.
As for defense, against Colombia only César Montes, Johan Vázquez and Erik Lira repeated, ahead of the defenders.
“Draw your conclusions. We are looking for players between now and the World Cup,” Aguirre said regarding the number of changes from one game to the next.
Regarding the lead, he said he had no major concerns. Despite another discreet performance by Santiago Giménez, the contribution of Germán Berterame, scorer of the goal against Ecuador, stood out.— AP