Mexico has qualified for the 2022 World Cup Qatar. El Tri defeated El Salvador 2-0 on the final match day of CONCACAF’s final round of qualification, ending a tumultuous qualifying cycle on a high note. Uriel Antuna scored the opener in the 17th minute and then earned a penalty that Raúl Jiménez calmly put away two minutes before halftime.
Mexico finished second in the eight-team Octagonal behind Canada, but ahead of the arch rivals the United States. Mexico’s 28 point total was three better than the American’s output, but the U.S. will relish having the edge in the head-to-head battle.
For Mexico, a comfortable win over a vastly inferior opponent will do little to deflect from what has plagued this side throughout qualifying. Mexico is still struggling to score goals in open play.
Wednesday’s scores came from a corner and a penalty, with star striker Jiménez still lacking a clinical touch in front of goal. However, Mexico recorded its fifth straight shutout since January.
Embattled Mexico manager Tata Martino earned his 37th victory in 52 matches with El Tri. After Antuna's goal, the winger and several of his teammates ran to the touchline to hug Martino, a clear show of support for their head coach.
(Photo: Hector Vivas / Getty Images)
What are Mexico's expectations in Qatar?
Felipe Cardenas, soccer staff writer: Martino was hired to lead Mexico to their greatest-ever finish at a World Cup. At a minimum, a quarterfinal run will be the expectation for El Tri.
Mexico tends to perform well at big tournaments, but this isn't a team that will arrive in Qatar with a lot of clout. The Mexicans will have to play well beyond their current form if they hope to break the curse of el quinto partido.
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What does Mexico need to improve on?
Cardenas: Mexico's attack was the team's strength when Martino took over in 2019. Since then, the goals have gone dry and the team's European-based front three have underwhelmed.
Mexico have been much better defensively of late and goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has proven to be a big-game player throughout his career. But if Mexico struggles to score goals in Qatar, having any kind of success will be a major struggle.
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