Mexico is back for the final round of World Cup Qualifiers. Mexico clinched a World Cup berth against Panama in September winning 1-0 in their last game in the Azteca. With two games left Mexico looks to close out on top of the Hexagonal. Mexico struggled at the Port of Spain the first time against Trinidad & Tobago.
Here are my three talking points to finish out WCQ for Mexico.
Strong Squad
With the release of the squad last week, it was heavily European based players. Juan Carlos Osorio intends to go out with a bang and make history with Mexico at finishing on top of the group. It is a surprise to see many names left of the list such as, Omar Govea, Rodolfo Pizzaro, and Orbelin Pineda. To fans we can now predict what twenty three players Juan Carlos Osorio will be taking with him to Russia.
#NotiTuit | @Aeromexico | @Delta
¡Jueves de convocatoria!
Chequen quienes son nuestros Seleccionados: https://t.co/1TCmzq1dRB pic.twitter.com/gEICasdVvk— Selección Nacional (@miseleccionmx) September 29, 2017
Guti Role With Squad
A surprise call up to the squad was Erick Gutierrez. After seeming to slump during the Gold Cup, El Guti finds himself in the running for a roster stop to go to Russia. Perhaps a chance to play at the defensive midfield position could be a possible. JCO continues to look for a solid player in the holding role to help the backline and starting plays going forward. This is a great opportunity for Guti if given minutes.
Will Goalscoring Be A Problem
Carlos Vela, Raul Jimenez, Javier Hernandez, and Giovanni dos Santos have all been difficulties with their respective clubs. Vela has received little minutes same goes for Raul. Javier has been playing more of a winger role at West Ham. Giovanni and LA Galaxy have been eliminated
from MLS playoffs. Interesting to see what roles Hirving Lozano and Jesus Corona will receive these next two games. Both have been in great form with their clubs.
Prediction
I’m going to go with a 1-0 victory for Mexico. A win against Trinidad will give El Tri great confidence heading into the last game. Juan Carlos Osorio is expect to get 4 out of 6 points the next two games. Expectations are high though for El Tri to finish top of the Hexagonal and grab all 6 points. With a new stadium and new crowd in San Luis, El Tri want to give a great performance for their fans.
