Gerardo Martino resigns from the position of coach for Mexico following team’s knockout from the group stage. He says the contract ended with the final whistle.
Mexico is out of the FIFA World Cup 2022 without making it to the Round of 16. This is the first time since 1978 that the side has failed to make it past the group stage. A similar incident occurred in 1990, but Mexico was barred from competing in the tournament.
The knockout of Mexico brings news of the resignation of their former coach, Gerardo Martino. He addressed the media conference for the final time to reveal that the resignation was a part of the contract that got terminated the moment the final whistle blew in Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia.
Martino has assumed responsibility for not qualify for Round of 16, saying that it causes sadness and that he is the first person responsible for the disappointment.
There were times when Mexico created opportunities to score a goal. They all ended with either a goalkeeper save or a wide. Martino addresses this point as well, stating that the team could have scored more goals so that they did not have to depend on other teams for qualification.
Players are shocked after being knocked out; however, no one has said a word about Martino. For instance, Guillermo Ochoa recalled that the objective was to score at least three goals, adding that it was unfortunate that they were not sharp enough to do so.
He also said that the team fell short of the expectations that they had set for themselves before the tournament began.
It appears that this was not their tournament. Mexico has won only one group stage match in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In the 47th minute of the team’s match versus Saudi Arabia, Martin scored the game’s first goal with a shot. Five minutes later, Luis added a double for the team.
One more goal was required to maintain hope. Despite being granted extra time after 90 minutes, Mexico failed to convert its shots into goals. Salem scored a goal for Saudi Arabia in the 90+5th minute as he found the angle of the net.
Mexico appeared to be in command of the game, with 61% possession. It was the defensive stretch of Saudi Arabia from Ghanam to Bulaihi that made it difficult for Martino’s side to score. The two goals scored in the tournament were the result of Martin’s tireless attack leadership. With his second goal, Chavez made all the difference.
A draw against Poland earned both teams one point. That would have been effective if Matino’s team had defeated Argentina without scoring a goal. Mexico is eliminated after falling short of the goal difference. Poland and Mexico both have four points. Poland qualified as its GD reflects 0, just one more than Mexico.
There will soon be an update on the new appointment of a new coach for Mexico.
