Mexico's "Chucky" Lozano spent a lot of time lamenting lost opportunities and El Tri settled for a scoreless draw against the United States. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Scattershooting El Tri settles for scoreless draw vs U.S.
Raúl Jiménez came up empty-handed for El Tri and Mexico had to settle for a 0-0 tie against Team USA in a World Cup qualifier. (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images)
“Well, at least they didn’t beat us” is hardly a rallying cry that breeds confidence among most fan bases. But that’s basically where El Tri is right now after being held to a scoreless draw at Estadio Azteca by a scrappy Team USA.
Mexico had better possession (64%) and created several good looks at goal but the Americans had the better scoring chances. If not for three brilliant saves by Memo Ochoa, El Tri might have seen its losing streak against their bitter rivals extended to four.
With two matchdays remaining in Concacaf World Cup qualifying, the United States and El Tri are even on 22 points, 3 back of first place Canada, a 1-0 loser at Costa Rica.
The Ticos’ surprise victory over the previously undefeated Canucks lifts the Central Americans into fourth place (19 points), 1 better than Panama.
El Tri controls its own destiny
Mexico got sub-par showings from forwards “Chucky” Lozano and “Tecatito” Corona, and a disappointing performance from left back Gerardo Arteaga.
Lozano was sloppy in possession but made up for it with poor shooting. “Tata” Martino had every reason to pull him after an hour, but elected to keep him in the game. “Chucky” nearly rewarded his coach in minute 81 when he lasered a shot just past the far post. However, he then proceeded to cough up three turnovers to squander late possessions.
“Tecatito” botched Mexico’s opener in minute 27, muffing a perfect lead pass into the box with a heavy first touch, not even getting a shot off. Arteaga was ineffective throughout, the Genk man too often imitating a deer caught in the headlights.
El Tri can’t dwell on missed opportunities. Martino’s men travel to last place Honduras for a Sunday game then finish up at home against El Salvador next Wednesday. Mexico will be favored to win both matches but that won’t happen if they can’t figure out how to get the ball in the net. El Tri has just 14 goals in 12 qualifiers thus far.
The task for Mexico is quite clear. Win both contests and book reservations to Qatar.
El Tri holds the third and final automatic qualifying spot, 3 points above Costa Rica and 4 points clear of Panama. The Canaleros (18 points) stubbed their toes Thursday night, tied at home by lowly Honduras, allowing Costa Rica to leap-frog them into fourth place and the inter-confederation playoff spot that goes with it.
Costa Rica likely must win out (at El Salvador, then home to the U.S.) to punch a ticket to Qatar, while Panama knows it must defeat Team USA Sunday to entertain hopes of returning to a Mundial. The Americans can ill-afford to lose either of their remaining games lest they want to watch another World Cup from home.
