Tata Martino Resigns as Mexico Manager After 2022 World Cup Elimination
Dec 1, 2022
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - NOVEMBER 30: Gerardo Martino, Head Coach of Mexico, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Saudi Arabia and Mexico at Lusail Stadium on November 30, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Gerardo "Tata" Martino announced his resignation as manager of the Mexico men's national team shortly after his team was eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.
"I am the first responsible for this terrible disappointment and frustration that we have," Martino told reporters. "As the person in charge, it causes a lot of sadness. I fully assume responsibility for this great failure.
"My contract ended as soon as the referee blew the final whistle and there is nothing more to be done."
Mexico earned a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, but the squad finished behind Argentina and Poland in Group C. Both Mexico and Poland had four points in three matches, but Poland advanced based on goal differential.
It's the first time Mexico has been eliminated in the group stage of a World Cup since 1978.
Mexico had reached the round of 16 in each of the last seven World Cups, although the squad has failed to advance to the quarterfinal during this stretch.
There were higher expectations on Martino when he joined Mexico in 2019. The 60-year-old had previous international experience with Argentina.
Martino also managed top players at Barcelona and found success in MLS with Atlanta United.
The manager didn't reach his goals with Mexico, however, losing to the United States at both the Gold Cup and Nations League final. The team also had a difficult time during World Cup qualifying, finishing behind Canada in the CONCACAF table.
Mexico didn't fare much better at the World Cup, failing to score in its first two matches while earning just one point against Poland and Argentina. El Tri finally found their form against Saudi Arabia, but they needed one more goal to pass Poland in the standings.
Martino faced significant criticism throughout his tenure with Mexico, including when he left Javier "Chicharito" Hernández off the World Cup roster, but now the team must look elsewhere as it tries to rebuild.
Mexico has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup as a co-host alongside the United States and Canada.
FMF: Soccer Fans in Mexico Will Receive 5-Year Bans for Anti-Gay Chants
Jan 18, 2022
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 18: Yon de Luisa, President of the Mexican Football Federation speaks during a press conference of the Mexican Football Federation - Liga MX on October 18, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Angel Castillo/UJam Media/Getty Images)
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced it will issue five-year bans to fans who make anti-gay chants.
Federation president Yon de Luisa said the step is part of a wider push to remove discriminatory behavior from stadiums, per ESPN's Cesar Hernandez.
"These measures are based on four pillars and will be applied rigorously in all home games organized by the Mexican Football Federation," de Luisa said.
The other steps include online ticket registration and more matchday security.
The rules will be in effect when Mexico hosts Costa Rica on Jan. 30 and Panama on Feb. 2 for a pair of 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
FIFA originally ruled the two fixtures would have to be staged behind closed doors because of an anti-gay chant sung by El Tri supporters. The FMF unsuccessfully appealed the ban in December.
However, de Luisa said the Court of Arbitration for Sport has allowed 2,000 fans to attend the matches to see how the federation's measures will be applied.
The five-year ban is the latest move to curb the anti-gay chant, which has been pervasive at Mexico national team matches.
The Washington Post's Steven Goff wrote in August the slur was used at an international friendly over the summer and during the CONCACAF Nations League and CONCACAF Gold Cup.
CONCACAF general secretary Philippe Moggio said in 2017 that "success won’t happen overnight" with regard to removing the chant from the supporters' lexicon. Monday's announcement is another illustration of the efforts being made to make that aim a reality.
Miles Robinson's Late Goal in Extra Time Lifts USA Past Mexico in 2021 Gold Cup Final
Aug 2, 2021
USA's defender Miles Robinson heads the ball during the Concacaf Gold Cup football match final between Mexico and USA at the Allegiant stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 1, 2021. (Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
For the full 90 minutes of regulation in Sunday's Gold Cup final between the United States and Mexico, the match was defined by missed opportunities.
His 117th-minute goal on Kellyn Acosta's brilliant free kick was the difference in the United States' 1-0 win in yet another entertaining and intense—if sloppy—entry in this CONCACAF rivalry. Would you expect anything less when these two teams meet?
It was fitting that Robinson—who helped lead a stout defense throughout the tournament—ended the deadlock.
Miles Robinson SHOULD BE the Gold Cup Player of the Tournament. Periodt.
The #USMNT defense posted five shutouts and didn't allow a goal in the run of play, and Robinson was a HUGE reason for that.
"We were focusing a lot on set pieces," Robinson said after the game on the FS1 broadcast. "I knew if I could get open, get a half-step, I could finish one. Kellyn put a perfect ball in, so I had to finish it."
"I'm happy we got the W. That's all I can say." 🇺🇸
Robinson may have missed out on being named Player of the Tournament, but Matt Turner won Goalkeeper of the Tournament. The 27-year-old was an obvious selection because of his dominance.
This was a performance the USMNT and its fans won't soon forget, in large part because the squad that took the field for the Gold Cup was missing many of the country's best players. It was largely a second- and third-choice United States versus a Mexico side comprised of many of its best veterans.
Suffice to say, it was a gritty showing by the young Americans, who displayed immense heart and poise to win an extra-time showdown against their bitter rival.
Pretty impressive from #USMNT to win this Gold Cup given the lack of experience and the absence of key figures in this group.
WHAT a performance by this #USMNT squad. Facing the favored Mexicans, boasting its strong squad of European-based stars, this young USA side stepped up and knocked off El Tri.
A clean sweep of trophies this summer sure does suggest there's a new king of Concacaf.
It can't be overstated just how many good chances each side failed to capitalize on, however. Mexico controlled possession, peppering the United States with dangerous opportunities. The Stars and Stripes came into the game in the second half, posing a major threat on the counterattack.
All's well that ends well for the United States, which won its second consecutive final over Mexico for the first time in history. It also won the CONCACAF Nations League final over El Tri in June.
As for Mexico, well, there will be major questions to answer. Heated as this rivalry may be, there's no shame in losing to a USMNT with its full complement of stars. But losing to a largely unproven collection of American players?
Well, that can't be framed as anything less than a major disappointment.
Mexico to Play World Cup Qualifiers in Empty Stadium After Fans' Anti-Gay Chants
Jun 18, 2021
Fans of Mexico's soccer team do the wave during a friendly football game between Mexico and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on January 31, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / CHRIS COVATTA (Photo credit should read CHRIS COVATTA/AFP via Getty Images)
FIFA announced Friday that the Mexico men's national soccer team will have to play two home World Cup qualifiers without fans as punishment for fans engaging in anti-gay chants.
Henry Bushnell tweeted FIFA's statement, which noted that the chants occurred during the March 18 Olympic qualifier against the Dominican Republic and the March 24 Olympic qualifier against the United States:
It was also announced by FIFA that it has launched an investigation into alleged anti-gay chants made by Mexican fans during a May 29 friendly against Iceland.
Per Bushnell, some Mexican fans have continued to shout a certain anti-gay slur during goal kicks despite the Mexican soccer federation saying it would crack down on the chants in recent years.
Grant Wahl of the Futbol with Grant Wahl Podcast pointed out that anti-gay chants among Mexican fans have been a major issue for years, as he retweeted one of his tweets from 2017 at which time he noted Mexico had been cited by FIFA for anti-gay chants eight times in 17 months:
It has taken FIFA far too long to finally start taking more serious action against Mexico for its fans' homophobic chants. This tweet is from four years ago. https://t.co/rXSDPiEgTk
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) June 18, 2021
Bushnell reported that FIFA may also look into anti-gay chants from Mexican fans during the CONCACAF Nations League tournament earlier this month. Fans were warned both during Mexico's semifinal against Costa Rica and the final against the U.S.
The final of that tournament, which took place in Denver, was also marred by fans throwing cans and other debris at American players, one of which hit Gio Reyna in the head. The United States went on to win the match 3-2.
While further sanctions could be forthcoming depending on the findings in subsequent investigations, Mexico knows for certain its first two home qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup will be played without fans in attendance.
The first of those matches will be against Jamaica in September and the second will be against Canada in October.
Mexico has not missed the World Cup since 1990, and they will look to make it eight World Cup appearances in a row when qualifiers begin this fall.
Mexico vs. Bermuda: Live Stream, TV Schedule for 2019 CONCACAF Nations League
Nov 19, 2019
Raul Jiminez of Mexico's World Cup squad responds to questions from journalists during Mexico Media Day on May 25, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California ahead a pre-World Cup soccer friendly against Wales in Pasadena on May 28. - Mexico is drawn in the same first round group at the 2018 World Cup beginning in June with South Korea, Sweden and Germany. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
Mexico welcome Bermuda on Tuesday in CONCACAF Nations League qualifying at the Estadio Nemesio Diez.
The match is the final encounter in Group B of League A, with El Tri already confirmed as group winners.
Mexico have taken maximum points from their games against Panama and Bermuda and have advanced to the semi-finals.
Following the same format as UEFA's Nation League competition, the prospect of relegation means dead rubbers are less likely in this tournament.
Mexico have flexed their muscle in the group phase, and 11 goals in three games have ended the hopes of Panama and Bermuda.
Bermuda were thrashed 4-1 at home by Panama on the opening day of qualifying, but they gained revenge days later with a 2-0 victory on the road in the return fixture.
However, Bermuda once again fell on home soil when Mexico claimed an emphatic 5-1 win at the National Stadium in Hamilton.
El Tri will have the chance to shuffle their starting lineup for the final match with qualification guaranteed.
México squad to face Panama and Bermuda is out. Guillermo Ochoa, Edson, Raúl and JDS all return ... Chicharito, Lozano, Layun, Fabian not included #eltrieng
Mexico coach Gerardo Martino has included Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez in his squad, but Hirving Lozano, Javier Hernandez and Hector Herrera have been omitted.
Jimenez's Premier League form has begun to improve after a slow start this term, and he netted twice during Friday's 3-0 victory in Panama.
Jose Juan Macias could be handed a starting opportunity after impressing during his first games for his country, with the 20-year-old netting four goals in his three appearances under Martino.
The forward is on loan at MX Liga team Leon from parent club Guadalajara, and he's continued to find the back of the net at club level.
Bermuda's fate is in their own hands as they attempt to avoid finishing bottom and triggering their relegation.
Panama's loss to Mexico was their last game, and they are tied on three points with Bermuda ahead of Tuesday's group finale in Toluca.
Kyle Lightbourne's side need only a point against Mexico in order to survive, but defeat will see them relegated on goal difference.
Raul Jimenez, Edson Alvarez Lead Mexico Past Panama in CONCACAF Nations League
Nov 15, 2019
Panama's Edgar Barcenas, center, fights for the ball against Mexico's Erick Gutierrez, left, and Edson Alvarez during a CONCACAF Nations League soccer match at the Rommel Fernandez stadium in Panama City, Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)
For the second time in four weeks, Mexico got the best of Panama. El Tri prevailed 3-0 in a 2019 CONCACAF Nations League matchup in Panama City on Friday night.
Raul Jimenez was the star with two goals, including one on a penalty kick. He also assisted on Edson Alvarez's second-half strike.
El Tri has dominated Group B with a 3-0 record and secured a spot in the semifinals thanks to this win. It is the only team in the group with a positive goal differential (plus-9) and has one game remaining against Bermuda.
The three goals in a road game also marked the end of an 81-year drought against Panama for the Mexican team:
In the first matchup against Panama, Mexico secured a 3-1 victory. The only blemish was an own goal by Carlos Salcedo that tied the score late in the first half.
Mexico seemed poised to cruise to an easy win Friday when Jimenez fired the ball past Jose Calderon for a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute:
This was a different type of game for the Mexican squad, which had relied on an aggressive, attacking offense. It ran over Bermuda 5-1 in an Oct. 11 opener.
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and the defense were dominant Friday. Panama managed only three shots on goal and controlled the ball just 38 percent of the time.
Los Canaleros' best scoring opportunity came in the 25th minute when Gabriel Torres broke through and had a clear shot at goal, but his attempt went right into the hands of Ochoa.
ESPN FC's Tom Marshall noted the first half was particularly physical with Panama finding success in aerial duels:
Panama won 67 percent of aerial duels in a first half that turned physical pretty quickly. Mexico is the better team, but if Panama is to get back in this you’d suspect it’d be from a set piece. #eltrieng
This has been a perfect tournament for Mexico. El Tri has yet to be tested, which is allowing Gerardo Martino to continue developing younger stars like Alvarez and Uriel Antuna.
The next phase of Nations League competition is set for June.
What's Next?
Mexico will host Bermuda at Estadio Nemesio Diez on Tuesday.
Panama vs. Mexico: Live Stream, TV Schedule for 2019 CONCACAF Nations League
Nov 15, 2019
Mexico can book their semi-final spot in the 2019 CONCACAF Nations League on Friday with a good result against Panama in Group B.
El Tri lead the group with two wins from two matches and sit three points ahead of Panama and Bermuda. They hold a match in hand on both teams and will play each in the final two matches of the group stage.
Univision will provide full coverage of the match, which is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET.
El Tri beat Panama 3-1 in their first meeting of the group stages. Here are the highlights of that match:
Mexico will have two chances to book their semi-final spot and need just a single point against either Panama or Bermuda. Those two teams can only finish on a maximum of six points with a win against El Tri.
The trip to Panama City should be the bigger challenge. Los Canaleros qualified for the 2018 World Cup and have a strong team, headed by the experienced Roman Torres and Adolfo Machado.
Their defence is usually their strength, but Mexico easily bagged three goals in their first meeting, and Bermuda came away with a 2-0 win on their visit to the Estadio Rommel Fernandez.
El Tri are favourites for this match, even if their squad isn't at full strength, per ESN FC's Tom Marshall:
Ongoing fall-out from the Sept friendlies. Some suggestions Chicharito won't be called in to the Mex squad again, others saying that he hasn't been called in Oct or Nov to send a message to youngsters. Always something going on with Mex, normally played out via rumors. #eltrienghttps://t.co/UxYlEpg2a5
Jonathan dos Santos is out of the Mexico national team squad due to injury. Tests this morning confirmed a problem in his right hamstring. Carlos Rodriguez will be moved up from the U-22s and take his place. #eltrieng
The likes of Javier Hernandez and Hirving Lozano did not join up with their international team-mates, but there is still a lot of talent in the squad. Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers is expected to lead the attack, while L.A. Galaxy's Uriel Antuna and Jose Juan Macias of Leon are also likely to help out in front of goal.
The 20-year-old Macias is arguably the biggest talent in Mexico right now and scored in the first meeting between these two teams. Both he and Antuna were on target in the 5-1 win over Panama as well.
Prediction: Panama 0-2 Mexico
Mexico Cruises Past Bermuda 5-1 in CONCACAF Nations League
Oct 11, 2019
Mexico took care of business in its 2019 CONCACAF Nations League opener with a 5-1 win over Bermuda on Friday night.
Gerardo Martino has put El Tri on the right path since taking over as manager in January. This marks his 12th win in 14 matches, including six straight in CONCACAF play dating back to the Gold Cup.
Uriel Antuna opened the scoring for Mexico in the 25th minute when he took Hirving Lozano's pass away from Bermuda goalkeeper Dale Eve at the last second for an easy goal:
JJ Macias followed Antuna by contributing the next two goals for the Mexican team. His second one came on a rebound after Eve initially made a terrific stop:
With the result well in hand, Hector Herrera put the cherry on top when he snuck the ball past Eve in the 71st minute.
Both teams had a lot at stake heading into this matchup. Mexico, making its first Nations League appearance, had to travel to Bermuda National Stadium with a share of the lead in Group 1B on the line.
Bermuda, which is currently ranked 167th in the world by FIFA, could have taken the outright lead in the group and stunned No. 12 Mexico in the process. It was a long shot for the Gombey Warriors against the defending Gold Cup champions, especially since Martino brought most of his A squad like Lozano, Herrera and Diego Lainez.
As Mexico goes deeper in the Nations League, Friday's performance from Lozano will be the big story. The 24-year-old was in the midst of a slow period with just one goal in three appearances for Napoli since the move from PSV Eindhoven in August.
While Martino and Mexico will be all smiles right now, there is still more work to be done with a showdown against Panama waiting on Oct. 15.
Jesus Angulo, Jose Macias Lead Mexico Past Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in Friendly
Oct 3, 2019
Mexico's Jesus Angulo (c) celebrates his goal against Trinidad and Tobago during their friendly match at the Nemesio Diez Stadium in Toluca, Mexico on October 2, 2019. (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP) (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images)
Mexico earned a 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in Wednesday's international friendly ahead of its debut in the 2019-20 CONCACAF Nations League.
The El Tri roster was comprised of mostly younger players currently competing in Liga MX instead of the more familiar names from the squad. Only five players had any previous experience with the senior team, and no one had more than five caps.
Still, it provided an opportunity for players like Jose Macias and Jesus Angulo to step up with goals in the win at Estadio Nemesio Diez.
Eight players in the starting XI made their debuts, per Tom Marshall of ESPN FC, while several others came on over the course of the match.
This led to some sloppy play at times, but the talent shown through with some early goals by Macias and Angulo:
¡Gooooool golazo golazo golazo golazo de Macías!
Espectacular anotación del delantero del León. ¡Ya lo gana @miseleccionmx! 😎
It's two for Mexico at the half-hour mark. The Necaxa Angulo fires in and scores...expect we'll see lots of changes at the half from Tata but this attacking group putting it together. #ElTriEng
Mexico controlled 80 percent of possession in the first half and outshot its opponent 14-1.
Good half from El Tri. Enjoyed it. Not always clicking, but the understanding between Rodriguez, Govea and Angulo has been impressive. Cordova continuing with his America form. Cristian Calderon v good. #eltrieng
Trinidad and Tobago had limited opportunities offensively, while the mistakes in the midfield and in net led to some goals the other way.
The second half was much of the same, with Mexico controlling the action and getting off numerous close shots.
Several notable players came on as subs, including former United States youth player Jonathan Gonzalez. The 20-year-old midfielder helped push the action in the second half and showed flashes of what makes him such a high-level prospect.
Fellow Monterrey player Johan Vasquez also came on late in his first cap for the national team.
Mexico was unable to take advantage of the opportunities in the second half, but the squad was never in danger of losing this friendly. The 29 shots—including 10 on goal—showed this could have been a much bigger blowout than the final score indicated.
Though the match wasn't always pretty, the team showcased a lot of young talent that will help El Tri in the future.
What's Next?
Mexico will begin the Nations League on Oct. 11 with a matchup against Bermuda, followed four days later by a home match against Panama at Estadio Azteca. Trinidad and Tobago already has two draws in two matches at the Nations League but will take on Honduras in its next match.
