Mexico will look to improve upon its lackluster play in the World Cup qualifiers when it hosts Costa Rica Tuesday.
Mexico currently sits in a tie for first place with the United States and Costa Rica; however Mexico has played one more game than its immediate rivals.
The team is coming off a disappointing 0-0 draw against Panama on Friday. "We've been working hard to get better results, but we're still missing something," was the assessment of veteran midfielder Carlos Salcido after the 0-0 draw against Panama.
That something is offensive creativity. The Mexicans looked lethargic throughout the match and rarely generated any prime scoring opportunities. The problem has hounded the squad since the hexagonal stage started. Mexico put up 15 goals in six matches during the third round of qualifiers. However in five games of the hexagonal stage the team has scored three times. The competition is obviously more difficult but the Mexicans have never struggled in this stage of qualifiers. In 2010 the team scored 18 goals in 10 hexagonal matches. In the 2006 qualifiers, Mexico scored 22 times and in 2002 the team scored 16 times. At their current rate, the Mexicans would finish with only six goals in 10 matches.
El Tri will take on a Costa Rica side that has looked dangerous offensively. Costa Rica has scored five goals in four games and has earned two wins, one draw, and one loss; the lone defeat came in a controversial snow-ridden match against the United States.
Prediction: Mexico will be playing at home and should receive a huge boost from the home fans. Look for Mexico to pull off a 1-0 win.
Start Time: 8 PM EST
TV: UniMas, ESPN
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