The goalless draw between Mexico and Costa Rica at the Estadio Azteca disappointed all the fans of the 'Tri', that expected a victory from their team to approach the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The Mexican press has come down on the coach and the team, criticizing the recent performances which were really deplorable. The supplement 'Cancha' from newspaper Reforma entitled on its front page 'Da Tri pena ajena' described the team as embarrassing.
Meanwhile, 'El Universal' showed on its cover: 'The Tri' jeopardizes its presence in the World Cup'. The report explains that after the end of the game "several players collapsed on the damp grass in the Estadio Azteca. Unequivocal reaction of a loser team, or one that feels that way."
On the other hand, the sports newspaper 'Esto' entitled: 'Mexico can't win at home, this time forgiving Costa Rica'. Like the rest of the Mexican press, the newspaper Esto came down on Mexico head coach Jose Manuel de La Torre.
"The Mexican fans no longer want De la Torre, they called for his head," the paper stated.
At a press conference, coach de la Torre explained that "in terms of points, we are fighting, we are inside the table with points, but (the result) was not expected, that's the reason for the hassle of all, not just mine. It's also of the group and the fans, that's normal," as quoted by the Mexican website Central Deportiva.
The mediocre attitude of a team that plays to win is what most irritates the public and journalists. Mexico is shown on the field as a team with many fears when facing inferior rivals, at least in theory. Because if it is true that the rivals have improved their performance and distances have been shortened, so it is that Mexico is at a standstill.
According to the same newspaper, de la Torre added: "I think the fans have every right to say things, they supported the team at all times, at first they booed a little bit, stayed quiet during the anthem of Costa Rica and then sang ours beautifully; we will always be very respectful of the people, we each have our way to look into things."
In sports, the team lacks of character on the field, doesn't have variants to hurt the rival, transmits no confidence and doesn't overcome tough matches.
The qualification for the World Cup is seriously compromised and there are only four games left for Mexico. Changing the process at this point in the tournament can be dangerous, but also necessary. Otherwise, the road to Brazil looks very complicated.