Despite an eventful qualification process raising questions about Mexico’s ability to navigate their way past through Group A, Guillermo Ochoa’s heroics in goal on Tuesday night could well have secured El Tri’s progress to the knockout stages.
However, after failing to break through the Mexican defence, and suffering a brief scare when recovering against Croatia, people are starting to question whether this group of Brazilians has what it takes to go all the way to glory at the Maracana on July 13.
With the pressure on, the Selecao had seemingly overcame their first mental test of the tournament, battling back to victory in their opener, until the manner of their recent draw looked as though it had left a far more deflating mood amongst the players.
If anything recovering from the early set back against Croatia was easier than the increasing growing frustrations of themselves and a packed crowd at the Estadio Castaleo, arguably the most fervent of any they will perform before.
The sight of star striker Neymar struggling to contain his emotions towards the end of the national anthem during a group match is truly worrying given the expectation and importance placed on the 22-year-old to carry this team to triumph.
This is something coach Luiz Felipe Scolari may need to address quickly in a young side, particularly as they progress, however, with arguably the weakest side of Group A Cameroon to come a confidence boosting victory can recover that self-assurance for what will be a testing Last 16 tie whoever they face.
Despite any psychological issues that may surround the team, there are tactical ones that must be answered, particularly if as Scolari indicated post-match, insists on sticking with his 4-2-3-1 formation.
After suffering injury during a training match Ramires replaced Hulk, however, rather than revert to a more logical 4-3-3 the Chelsea man was deployed on the right of the attacking trio behind Fred in a move that quite blatantly failed and was hauled off at half-time.
That was quickly rectified by the introduction of Bernard, yet what has been more concerning is the lack of invention from his central midfield pairing, specifically Paulinho, with Luiz Gustavo excelling in the protection he gives the side.
The Tottenham Hotspur man has sauntered through both fixtures, replaced against Croatia after 60 minutes by Hernanes, the logical choice that could provide a better link between defence and attack.
The Inter midfielders’ wider repertoire of passing and eye for goal can provide something different from the power and pace of his counterpart who has been so ineffectual that, although similar in style, lacing Ramires alongside the Wolfsburg man is even a better option.
While Mexico have a much tougher test against Croatia, providing they do not suffer a surprise defeat to Cameroon on Wednesday night, the word from coach Miguel Herrera will be ‘same again’, with a draw enough to see them over the line.
Historically, improving as the tournament progresses has seen many a team impress on the World Cup, although they have usually qualified in some style, if El Tri can follow up a challenging win against the Africans and a draw against the hosts with an impressive display and victory over Niko Kovac’s men they may even have enough to finally pass the Last 16 stage at the sixth time of asking.
Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton
