GOAL breaks down the line-up Mexico's Gerardo "Tata" Martino should pick against Saudi Arabia with his job at risk.
Tex-Mex. Americans trying to pronounce their city names. And now, Gerardo "Tata" Martino's managerial regime that has brought shame to El Tri at the World Cup.
These are among the core hatreds of many people in Mexico, with the latter gripe potentially vaulting to the top of the list by the end of the week. That's how bad things have gotten under Martino.
Mexico enter their third Group C match, against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, needing to win and get help elsewhere to advance to the knockout stage. Specifically, they must win and either see Poland defeat Argentina or have Argentina defeat or draw Poland while El Tri secure a superior goal differential.
If Mexico don't advance, it would be a failure not witnessed since 1978. If they also fail to score against Saudi Arabia (they've not scored in four consecutive World Cup outings, dating back to 2018), it would be the first time in the nation's history that they've failed to find the net at the tournament.
All bleak, but maybe there's a miracle in store? In some respects, Martino is limited by the squad he's chosen and the tactics he's drilled into the team since being appointed in 2019. But there are also choices he can make to best position himself to still be employed when the weekend arrives.
Let's take a look at the line-up that could best suit Mexico against Saudi Arabia:
Getty ImagesGK: Guillermo Ochoa
Not even Mexico miracle-maker Ochoa could thwart a determined Lionel Messi in Argentina's 2-0 win last Saturday, but let's take nothing away from the goalkeeper, who is El Tri royalty.
A clean sheet will be crucial against Saudi Arabia. Mexico can hardly be expected to score one goal, so conceding anything would put near-impossible pressure on the attack.
Ochoa will be the man between the posts, trying to prevent catastrophe. Mexico couldn't ask for anyone better to take on that job.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLB: Jesus Gallardo
Gallardo started at wing-back last match as Martino went to a back-five against in hopes of slowing a world-class attack. While Argentina scored twice, Gallardo wasn't at fault.
We expect him to play a more traditional left-back role against Saudi Arabia as Mexico revert to a back-four in order to fit another attack-minded player on the pitch in search of goals.
No problem there, as Gallardo is perfectly comfortable in that system.
Getty ImagesCB: Hector Moreno
Much better from Moreno against Argentina compared to his nightmares in previous matches. Way to rise to the occasion!
He'll need to be mistake-free again when he starts Wednesday.
Just as important, though, is the 34-year-old's leadership during a tense game that could have his younger team-mates extremely nervous. This is where experience is crucial, and even more so if neither Hector Herrera nor Andres Guardado suit up.
Getty ImagesCB: Cesar Montes
Montes is having a really good World Cup and is one of the few Mexico players to have shined in both games.
Part of the reason Mexico fans are so frustrated right now is that some of the nice efforts from the back-line are being completely wasted by an unproductive attack.
One more strong effort, and maybe there will be a reward at the end of it this time.