Mexico will play its last group stage match against Ecuador on Friday. With their recent (and frankly, very surprising) tie against Chile on Monday afternoon, their chances of advancing to the next round are very likely.
The match, which was dominated by Argentine-born Mexican striker Vicente Vuoso and his brace that allowed El Trito secure their 3-3 tie, left many spectators shocked and many people re-evaluating what they had said about Miguel Herrera.
Herrera has recently been under a microscope. The tie against Bolivia was dismal and the level of play during that game was very disappointing, especially since Herrera has made it very clear that his goal is to reach the finals of the Copa America. Add in the recent friendlies they had leading up to the tournament and the controversial political tweets that left many Mexico fans angry, and one could understand if the pressure is beginning to weigh in on Miguel Herrera.
But that is the thing.
Is it really that Miguel Herrera is being a bad coach or is it once again another cycle of the media’s pressure?
Let us face the facts, Mexico is either loved or hated by the media; at least here in the Americas. We saw it during the World Cup when they were showing their true talent, beating Croatia and keeping up with the home team Brazil in a 0-0 tie. But even then, the media did not give them enough credit. Mexico’s relationship with the media is like a parent with unrealistic expectations for their child.
Back in 2014, they wanted Mexico to play amazing and they did but once they lost against the Netherlands in the Round of 16, they were quick to say “That’s typical of Mexico to do.”
Even our own fans have gotten used to saying “Hoping for the best, expecting the worst.”
It is time to stop doing that. We should not expect the worst from the Mexican National Soccer Team. They are a great team and they have the great ability to do great things. Sometimes it is not the coach. Sometimes it is the players. Bolivia was a bad game that was sloppy and lacked proper ball control and passes. The match against Chile showed more desire up front but left with obvious to do in the defense.
These are fixable problems. Herrera knows this. It is the reason why after every match, he gives such a transparent answer no matter what. Why he provides postgame comments on the team’s official website. He is very tactical about his approach to the team. Every player deserves a chance and every match is as important as the next.
It just seems sometimes as if the media likes making mountains out of molehills when it comes to the Mexican National Soccer Team. Yes, postgame comments are necessary and analysis of each match pays the bills for some (I hope one day they’ll pay the bills for me... you know, like my water bill or phone bill). But at times, the hammer is just pushed down too hard.
I do not believe that Herrera’s time is coming to an end and if people try to define that through this Copa America tournament, well that’s a huge mistake. And don’t even get me started on that ridiculous #FueraPiojo hashtag that arose after the game against Bolivia.
This “B” team is adequately good. They do in fact have a chance to make it to the final. There are good players on the roster.
But seriously, save the real critiques and opinions of Herrera’s coaching style when the Gold Cup squad comes around in July. If they do not show up and deliver, then your pitchforks are welcome.
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