Mexico Faces Its Biggest Challenge in Aguirre Era
The Mexican national football team, led by Javier Aguirre, will face Canada in a friendly match, marking the first major test in the new era of "El Vasco," which began last Saturday with a 3-0 victory over New Zealand.
Under the direction of the former Atlético de Madrid coach, El Tri had an impressive performance against the New Zealanders, nullifying them throughout the 90 minutes. Mexico could have scored more goals if not for the posts and the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Max Crocombe.
Despite this, Aguirre was not satisfied and plans to make several changes against the Canadians, the only Concacaf team to reach the semifinals in the last Copa América, to make his team more aggressive and effective in attack.
Confirmed changes after the victory over New Zealand include the addition of a new goalkeeper and central defender Víctor Guzmán from Monterrey, who will replace César Montes, who left the camp to finalize his transfer from Almería to Russian football.
Additionally, midfielder Luis Chávez from Dinamo Moscow has an injury that might keep him out of the squad.
Henry Martín, forward for América, is set to have an opportunity as the starting striker against Canada, replacing Santiago Giménez from Feyenoord, who did not score against New Zealand.
"El Vasco" Aguirre will need to craft a solid strategy both in attack and defense against Canadians who are currently the top team in Concacaf. In addition to finishing among the top four in Copa América, Canada defeated the United States last Saturday, confirming their good form.
American Jesse Marsch has been key to Canada's progress. Since his appointment as head coach before Copa América, he has turned around the team's crisis and enhanced the performances of stars like Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich's left-back; forward Jonathan David from Lille; and midfielder Stephen Eustaquio from Porto.
David has stood out under Marsch’s guidance, scoring two goals in five Copa América matches, the third-highest among Conmebol's top scorers, and maintained his form by scoring the winning goal against the United States.
Both Mexico and Canada are qualified for the 2026 World Cup, where they will be hosts along with the United States. For both teams, this match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, serves as preparation for the Concacaf Nations League, which will take place next November.
Probable Lineups:
Mexico: Luis Ángel Malagón; Jesús Angulo, Víctor Guzmán, Johan Vásquez, Alan Mozo; Erik Lira, Luis Romo, Fidel Ambriz; Marcelo Flores, Henry Martín, and César Huerta.
Coach: Javier Aguirre.
Canada: Maxime Crépeau; Alphonso Davies, Derek Cornelius, Moïse Bombito, Alistair Johnston; Jacob Shaffelburg, Mathieu Choinière, Stephen Eustaquio, Ali Ahmed; Cyle Larin, and Jonathan David.
Coach: Jesse Marsch.
