As we approach the upcoming match between Canada and Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League Semi-final clash, we find ourselves presented with a new version of El Tri.
The two teams will meet on March 20th at 7:30 PM (Pacific Time) at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles. This will be a single-leg elimination match, and the victor will go on to face the winner of the United States versus Panama match in the Final. Mexico will be looking to make history, as they have not won the Nations League since its inception in 2019.
In the last five matches between Canada and Mexico, Canada has won once, Mexico twice, and there were two draws between the North American rivals. Canada comes into this match with better form, having a record of four wins and one loss in their last five matches. Meanwhile Mexico comes into this match with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. Stat website FootyStats has both teams equal in terms of goals scored at 1.2 goals per match. Canada has conceded fewer goals, with only 0.7 goals allowed, to Mexico’s 1.0 goals conceded per match.
Press Conference:
In a press conference on Tuesday, the three-time Mexico coach Javier Aguirre stated the following in regards to Canada and their coach as an opponent, “Jesse Marsch is a very good coach… The man knows his business. Canada has a lot of players in Europe, at a good level. They (Canada) are a very complicated rival.”
The Mexican coach also confirmed that Julian Quiñones will not be starting for this match. While praising the Colombian born forward, he admitted that he prefers him centrally, as opposed to out wide.
Aguirre did not name his starting eleven, but did confirm three starters. Luis Malagon will be the starting goalkeeper, Jesus Gallardo will be the starting left back, and Erik Lira will start as the center defensive midfielder. When asked directly who would be starting in place of the suspended Cesar Montes, Aguirre refused to answer. He also refused to state who will be the starting striker, but did allude to the possibility of Raul Jimenez and Santi Gimenez possibly playing together in the future.
Mexico’s 23 Man Squad:
Goalkeepers: Luis Malagon (Club America), Raul Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Moreno (Pachuca)
Defenders: Rodrigo Huescas (FC Copenhague), Israel Reyes (Club America), Ramon Juarez (Club America), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscu), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jesus Angulo (Tigres), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca)
Midfielders: Edson Alvarez (West Ham), Luis Romo (Chivas), Luis Chavez (Dynamo Moscu), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Atenas)
Forwards: Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Raul Jimenez (Fulham), Julian Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah), Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Cesar Huerta (RSC Anderlecht), Efrain Alvarez (Tijuana)
Suspensions/Injuries:
Cesar Montes: The usual starter at center back will miss this match due to a suspension handed out to for yellow card accumulation.
Carlos Moreno: Mexico’s third choice goalkeeper, will miss this match due to visa issues between Mexico and the United States.
Key Players for Mexico:
Look to veteran striker Raul Jimenez to not only finish Mexico’s chances, but to create some of them as well. The Fulham forward has garnered 10 goals, 3 assists in 29 Premier League appearances, and will look to put away any chance that comes his way as well as incorporate others into the attack.
A.C. Milan talisman Santi Gimenez is another significant attacking option for El Tri. The 23-year-old center forward has tallied 2 goals and 1 assist in a total of 7 league matches for Milan. Thus far, Santi’s performances have been very promising in the way he links up with others and finds himself in dangerous positions for the Rossoneri.
Julian Quiñones is lighting up the Saudi League with 15 goals and 4 assists in 21 matches. Quiñones, who can play as a striker or out in the wing, is in great form and will be a key player off the bench as he looks to replicate the quality he has demonstrated thus far in Saudi Arabia.
Toluca winger Alexis Vega is coming off a hat trick of goals against Necaxa in Liga MX. The flashy forward will look to establish himself as an important asset for the National Team. Vega has garnered 10 goals and 8 assists in his last 30 league matches. His career has been steadily trending upwards since his return to his boyhood club Toluca, and his creative services will be needed in the upcoming semi-final clash against Canada.
Tactical Preview:
Mexico will most likely come out with some variation of the 4-3-3 system. Expect for them to impose themselves on the opposition with long spells of possession. When they are without the ball, Mexico will look to implement a high intensity pressure to win it back. With this style, Mexico will be vulnerable to moments of transition and it will be up to their defenders to snuff out any Canadian counter attack before it gains any traction.
Conclusion:
Mexico will have their work cut out for them against Canada. Canada comes into this match as a formidable rival with players like Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, Lille’s Jonathan David, as well as a few others whose speed and vision could pose problems on the counter attack. It will be imperative for Mexico to negate the quality and pace of the Canadian attackers. El Tri will also need to put away their chances, something they have struggled with over the last few years. Mexico went the entirety of the Copa America without scoring a goal, and had to come back in dramatic fashion against Honduras in the previous round of the Nations League. Javier Aguirre will look to right the ship by defeating the Canadians this Thursday, as Mexico prepares itself for next year’s World Cup.
Comments
