Navigating through the choppy waters of the Copa América, El Tri and manager Jaime “Jimmy” Lozano failed to reach the safety of the tournament’s knockout round after a dismal group stage exit. With four points in hand after Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador, the Concacaf side slumped to a final position at third in Group B, thereby leaving them without a place in the quarterfinal stage.
A Promising Start, A Disheartening Finish
El Tri’s journey in Copa América 2024 was marred by missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises. After a lackluster 1-0 defeat to Venezuela, Lozano rallied his team with a passionate plea: “We have 90 minutes [left] and no one is getting off this ship, and we’re going to make it.” Despite his confidence, the team couldn’t find the net against Ecuador, sealing their fate.
Scorching Heat and Sweltering Tension
Symbolic of El Tri’s struggles, temperatures outside Arizona’s State Farm Stadium reached a sweltering 110 degrees on game day, with 62,565 fans braving the heat. The usual pregame tailgate atmosphere was subdued, with many fans seeking refuge from the oppressive sun.
Struggles in the Final Third
El Tri failed to capitalize on their chances in the final third, mirroring their performance against Venezuela. Despite some controversial refereeing decisions, including potential penalties, Mexico had enough opportunities to secure a win but fell short.
Managerial Decisions Under Fire
Lozano’s strategy and roster decisions have come under scrutiny. His experimental approach aimed at building towards the 2026 World Cup lacked the bold moves necessary for immediate success. Promising young players like Marcelo Flores and Bryan González were left on the bench, while established stars like Guillermo Ochoa and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano were missed.
Defensive Solidity, Offensive Inefficiency
Despite being solid defensively, conceding only one goal in the group stage, Mexico’s offensive struggles were glaring. The team managed just one goal in 270 minutes of play, a statistic highlighting their inefficiency in the attack.
Fan Frustration and Controversial Chants
Towards the end of the game against Ecuador, fans voiced their frustration with discriminatory chants, prompting multiple announcements warning that the match could be suspended. This unsportsmanlike behavior added to the overall disappointment of Mexico’s campaign.
A Familiar Crisis
Mexico’s early exit from the Copa América is part of a wider pattern of regression. Despite lifting the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, El Tri have struggled in major tournaments, including the 2022 World Cup and the Nations League. Their failure to qualify for the 2024 Olympics and their early exits in three of the last four Copa Américas highlight ongoing issues.
Conclusion
El Tri’s journey in Copa América 2024 has ended in disappointment, with a group stage exit that raises questions about the future of the team and its leadership. As Mexico looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, the pressure is on Lozano to rebuild and guide the team to success on home soil.
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