How did Canada, the USA, and Mexico fare in the last FIFA international break before the World Cup?
The three countries hosting the World Cup all had matches during this international window, and concerns are high.
With just 71 days to go until the World Cup kicks off, the mood around the three host nations – Canada, Mexico and the United States – is one of uncertainty after none of them managed a win in the last FIFA window before the tournament.
There is very little time left. Coaches are beginning to get a clear picture of who will make their final rosters, but at least in this March FIFA window, none of the three teams hosting the biggest tournament in world soccer did anything to strengthen their case as favorites.
Canada could not get it done at home
The Maple Leafs played two games in Toronto, the city where they will make their World Cup debut on June 12, but the results went no further than draws. Last Saturday, Canada was held to a 2-2 draw by Iceland, and in its second game, it played to a scoreless stalemate with Tunisia.
The United States looked the worst of the three
Mauricio Pochettino’s side has, so far, set off the most alarm bells with just two months to go before the World Cup. The Americans were exposed in both warmup games, first by Belgium in a 5-2 defeat and then by Portugal, which beat them 2-0. Those two losses have only deepened the uncertainty around the Stars and Stripes, which is now stuck in a terrible run against European opponents.
Mexico remains a bundle of doubts
While El Tri did avoid defeat, the team was far from convincing, and the frustration among Mexican fans is becoming a major issue. For Javier Aguirre, the draws against Portugal and Belgium – 0-0 and 1-1, respectively – offered a few clues about what he might do on June 11 against South Africa. Even so, Mexico still looks flat and short on goals.