After their resounding triumph over Canada in the semi-finals of the Nations League, the Mexican National Team arrives to the final against Panama ready to make history with their first ever Nations League Championship.
Mexico will face Panama on March 23rd at 6:30 PM (Pacific Time) at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles. This will be the third edition of this competition and both these teams will be aiming to win the competition for the first time.
In their last five encounters, Mexico has four wins, one draw, and zero losses against Panama. Mexico will be looking for their fifth straight win, while Panama will be looking to break their losing streak against El Tri and win a major competition against Mexico for the first time since they hoisted the Copa Centro Americana in 2009.
The sports stat website FootyStats rates Mexico as less likely to be scored upon with 0.6 goals conceded per match over the last ten matches, both home and away. On the other hand, Panama is much more likely to be scored upon with 2.2 goals allowed per match over their last ten matches. In regards to goals scored, Mexico is averaging 1.4 goals per match in their last ten games, while Panama is averaging 1.2 goals scored over ten matches. In short, Mexico is scoring more, while letting in less goals.
Press Conference:
Following El Tri’s Victory on Thursday, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre stated the following in regards to their upcoming opponent Panama (via TJ Sports), “The reality is that Panama has grown a lot…I am very happy that Panama has elevated their level…(but) we came to win, we came for the title.”
After giving Panama his respect, Aguirre confirmed the return of Mexican center-back Cesar Montes, who missed the semifinal match versus Canada due to suspension. The return of Montes prompts questions as to who will start for Mexico in defense.
Aguirre also touched on the possibility of changing formations to suit the strengths and weaknesses of the rival. With that in mind, we may see a deviation from the 4-4-2 formation Mexico utilized against Canada.
Coach Aguirre has not announced his starting eleven for the Final, but according to renowned reporter Gibrán Araige, via X, Aguirre has confirmed three starters: goalkeeper Luis Malagon, Edson Alvarez at center-back or as a defensive-midfielder, and Raul Jimenez as a striker.
Mexico’s 23 Man Squad:
Goalkeepers: Luis Malagon (Club America), Raul Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Moreno (Pachuca)
Defenders: Rodrigo Huescas (FC Copenhagen), Israel Reyes (Club America), Ramon Juarez (Club America), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jesus Angulo (Tigres), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca)
Midfielders: Edson Alvarez (West Ham), Luis Romo (Chivas), Luis Chavez (Dynamo Moscow), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens)
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:
Carlos Moreno: Mexico’s third choice goalkeeper, will miss this match due to visa issues.
Key Players for Mexico:
Raul Jimenez showcased his importance to the team against Canada by scoring in the 47th second, and later notching his second goal of the night with a spellbinding freekick in the second half. Jimenez will look to continue his run of good form by facilitating others in the attack, as well as finishing the chances that cross his path.
Johan Vasquez, an important player for Italian side Genoa, will aim to be a pillar in defense. He had a great game against the Canadians, snuffing out chances before they could develop. Vasquez will be an important player not only in defense, but also in the buildup play as well. Mexico will be looking to build from the back against the Panamanians, thus it will be imperative that Johan avoid any mistakes in his distribution.
Santi Gimenez will, no doubt, be seeking to involve himself more into the attack. The young A.C. Milan forward has yet to solidify himself as an important player for the national team, and will look to make a strong impression in this upcoming Final.
Roberto “Piojo” Alvarado will look to build upon the notable game he had against Canada. Piojo swung in a freekick that found Edson Alvarez, who headed the ball into the Canadian goal in the first half. Unfortunately, the goal was ruled offside, but Piojo would continue to hound the defense for the remainder of his time on the pitch. With his creative talents, he could prove to be an important asset for Mexico.
Tactical Preview:
It is unknown if Aguirre will stick to the 4-4-2 tactical formation that he used against Canada. He has alluded to changing strategies at need, so Mexico might revert back to the 4-3-3 system they have commonly used these last few years. The extra midfielder will help keep more possession, which is a tactic Aguirre might utilize against the Canaleros.
With the return of Cesar Montes, it becomes uncertain how Mexico’s defense will line up. Will Aguirre opt to put Edson Alvarez in midfield? Or will he continue to use him as a center back over the returning Montes?
There is also the question of who will start at right-back? Israel Reyes has been a great option, but there is the possibility of starting Rodrigo Huescas, who plies his trade in Denmark. Huescas excels in the attack and could be an asset in breaking down the Panamanian defense.
Conclusion:
Mexico comes into this final as the favorite. They score more and let in less goals than Panama. Mexico has won four of the last five games between the two teams. They will be looking to make history this Sunday, but it will be crucial that they put away their chances early and be wary of Panama’s ability to counter attack. Panama will be looking to continue their good form after eliminating the United States from tournament play for the third time in a row, something Mexico has never been able to do. Regardless of who wins, there will be a new Nations League Champion crowned this Sunday.
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