January 31, (THEWILL) – After an unimpressive 0-0 draw with Costa Rica on Sunday, Mexico squandered an opportunity to climb up to second in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) standings and solidify their hold on a 2022 World Cup qualification berth.
Despite their dominance, Mexico was unable to consistently challenge Ticos goalkeeper Keylor Navas, hitting the woodwork twice in the second half through Luis Alberto Rodriguez and substitute Luis Romo’s efforts.
Mexico enjoyed 73 percent control and 25 shots on goal, compared to six for Costa Rica, but the hosts only managed one on target, with Navas saving Hector Herrera’s 45th-minute free-kick, adding to the pressure on head coach Gerardo Martino.
Rogelio Funes Mori had a goal disallowed for offside in the 31st minute, while Hirving Lozano returned from suspension but wasted a few chances. From Celso Borges’ 39th-minute header, Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa denied Costa Rica their best chance at finding a goal.
Mexico, who have only four points from their last four qualifiers, is now third in the CONCACAF World Cup qualification standings, missing out on the chance to pass the United States, who were defeated 2-0 by regional leaders Canada.
Canada has 22 points from ten games, while the United States and Mexico are second and third with 18 points each, and Panama is fourth with 17 points after beating Jamaica 3-2 on Sunday.
The top three teams will automatically qualify for Qatar, while the fourth will have to compete in a playoff. With the tie, Costa Rica maintained their slim qualifying hopes alive, lying sixth with 13 points.
The draw will be painful, but Mexico still has a chance to win with a minimum of seven points. The goal was to put some gap between themselves and fourth-placed Panama, who will visit Mexico City on Wednesday night.
Panama beat Jamaica 3-2 on Tuesday, setting up another tense match for Mexico at home.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
