Mexico 2018 World Cup Hopes Dwindle

Ok I know we have have about 2 years until the 2018 World Cup in Russia. But if there was any hope for Mexico becoming a contender for the grand prize in the 2018 World Cup, we can start downgrading our expectations now.

Here are my three reasons why I believe we will be lucky to even make it past the group stage, that is if we qualify:

Reason #1 — Juan Carlos Osorio is overthinking Mexico’s capability

Osorio continues to believe he can mold Mexico into a modular system. One that can have dynamic rotations that would be able to shift at a moments notice. The reality of the situation is doing this at a national team level is difficult and with Mexico we are finding out that it will be nearly impossible. In my opinion, the number one reason is that the players are not buying into the system and its a matter of time before there is push back from them.

Reason #2 — Defense is horrible

Hands down the area that Mexico is at its weakest is with its defense. In every game that Osorio has managed we see the defense lack communication, speed and a goalie. In my opinion this is the area that needs to most attention. Most likely we will have one elite team in our group and possibly two. Our defense will be required to be able to deal with those type of teams and the current state will place us losing two games in the group stage.

Reason #3 — As always, too much turmoil off the field

Whether its the gay slur chant or players saying no to their call ups, Mexico is plagued with outside issues that effect the moral and motivation of the players. In my opinion a big issue, because this creates a cancer in the attitude of the players on the squad before they even make it out to practice and the call ups. Have low moral and motivation will make it impossible for the players to commit to doing their best and risking their bodies for the international duty cause.

It’s a real shame that I’m writing this so early on as Mexico normally has a decent team. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll be out there in the trenches cheering them on during game time. But I have to be realistic and stop living in the shadows of the successful friendlies and CONCACAF tournaments and realize that Mexico allows too many outside factors to shape their national team at the international level. Until that is cleaned up, we have to put the pressure on the FMF to change.