Huge support may again sufferr lastlast-16 hheartache

THERE are some things we come to expect from a World Cup. Questions surrounding suitability of thhe host nation, TV viewers swooning over the Jon Champion-Ally McCoist commentary pairing and Mexico exiting at the last-16 stage.

Germany are the only hoost this century where people were confident the finals could be staged perfectly, the Champion and McCoisst double act goes back to 19998, while Mexico’s sequence off last-16 defeats stretches baack seven World Cups, all the wayw to 1994.

Quinto partido – the fifthh game – has become an obsess sion for Mexico’s fanatic cal fans, who will again be trav velling in huge numbers, but thhis time it is in hope rather r than expectation as they willw arrive in Qatar with major concerns.

Jesu us Corona’s broken leg sees s him sidelined and, wh hile Raul Jimenez has ma ade the final cut, he has bee en a long way short of his best since suffering a horr rific head injury in Novem mber 2020.

The ere are many critics of manag ger Gerardo Martino and they ddon’t want to hear any excuse es, with final defeats to USA inn both the Concacaf Gold CCup and Nations League last yeear suggesting Mexico are slipping down the regional rankings.

Mexico failed to score against the US in qualifying and claimed only one point from eventual table-toppers Canada, while Martino was doused in beer by an angry supporter following a 3-2 loss to Colombia in September.

A lack of possession is a common complaint with Mexico having just 40 per cent of the ball against Colombia, 11 per cent lower than their last World Cup finals match which ended in a 2-0 loss to Brazil – obviously at the last-16 stage.

The last 16 looks the limit despite the talents of Edson Alvarez and Hirving Lozano.

•

LWon the league with Legia Warsaw in 2021 and had also done strong work with the Polish Under-21 team, however, he was thrust into this role after Paulo Sousa quit to join Brazilian outfit Flamengo.

• Robert Lewandowski is one of

the world’s best strikers

• Spine of the team have all

featured at elite European level • Playing Argentina last could be

an advantage

• Always feels like there is an over-reliance on Lewandowski to deliver the goods

Six of their seven appearances at major finals this century have ended in the group stage • Michniewicz was only appointed as manager because Sousa quit