Mexico’s possible starting line-up for Group Stage Match 1 v Poland

Ask any Mexico fan what their biggest fear is in World Cup 2022 and they will tell you that losing to the white eagles is the first source of anxiety.

El Tri and Poland share Group C with Saudi Arabia and Argentina most anticipating that the Albiceleste will lead the group leading to a dogfight for second position and a place in the next round.

Mexico’s solid record of going unbeaten in their first World Cup games is a stat any team could fear. They have won five and drawn in the last six tournaments, always qualifying for the knockout stage.

The last time Mexico failed to make it past the group stage was in 1978 – when they got no points in the group dominated by Poland.

That’s where the pros seem to stop for Mexico this time around, though.

Coach Gerardo Martino’s squad are short in the attacking department because, Much to the dismay of the Mexican fans, the Argentine decided to drop his all-time top scorer Javier Hernandez despite his good form this season.

Further dampening the mood, Mexico lost their last friendly before the World Cup against Sweden, conceding a late goal and heading to Qatar last week feeling the Argentine is ill-equipped to oversee the national team.

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Possible Mexico vs Poland

It is in attack that Mexico seems to be lacking Wolves striker far from 100% fit following his race against time to recover from a long, deep tear in his groin. Club America’s Henry Martin has failed to shine in recent warm-up matches and Monterrey striker Funes Mori is also returning from a recent injury, but as things stand all indications are that the striker d’Aguilas gets the green light for the clash at Stadium 974.

On a brighter step for El Tri fans, Hirving Lozano has been in sparkling form for the Serie Napoli side this season and despite being a traditionally wide player, the 27-year-old has a knack for getting into goal.

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Possible Mexico XI:

Guillermo Ochoa; Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Héctor Moreno, Jesús Gallardo; Edson Álvarez, Héctor Herrera, Luis Chávez; Alexis Vega, Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano and Henry Martin.