Mexico Gold Cup 2015 Predictions: 5 Reasons El Tri Wins Gold Cup Without Javier Hernandez
By now Mexican fans have already heard the bad news: star forward Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez will miss the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Hernandez fractured his collarbone in an international friendly exhibition game against Honduras, which ended 0-0. No doubt it's a devastating blow, but Mexico isn't finished just yet. Although Hernandez will miss the entire tournament, Mexico will prevail.
Here are five reasons Mexico will still win the 2015 Gold Cup.
1. Mexico is Prepared
Head coach Miguel Herrera has had this squad really busy this year. Mexico competed in the Copa America in Group A against Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador. Although they didn't qualify for the knockout round, it was still great experience for the younger players.
In addition to that, Mexico has played eight international friendlies since March, including a big match against Costa Rica that ended in a 2-2 draw in late June. One could argue that Herrera has even been playing his squad a bit too much.
2. History Repeats Itself
This is Mexico's tournament. They've won it a record six times dating back to 1993. While Mexico is still searching for their first appearance in a FIFA World Cup finals, their fans can rest assure knowing their national team is the best in all of North America.
Not only has Mexico won the Gold Cup six times, but they are nine time champions of the CONCACAF tournament. Three of those titles came before the 1991 realignment.
3. They Own the U.S.
The U.S. and Mexico have dominated this tournament to the fullest extent. While Mexico has six championships, the U.S. has five. The only other country to win this event was Canada back in 2000 when they beat Colombia.
So, how do the U.S. and Mexico stack up now? Well, Mexico is 4-1 against the U.S. in the finals of the Gold Cup, and Mexico has defeated them in the last two Gold Cup games. Starting goalkeeper Tim Howard will not be playing in the Gold Cup, and the U.S. has had a huge problem with closing games this year. On top of that, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore haven't displayed great leadership with their latest tirades and clashes with officials.
4. Weak Field
Costa Rica (14) is the highest ranked team this year according to the FIFA World Rankings. Outside of them, Mexico should cruise through Group C against Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago and Cuba. Mexico is the only team that ranks in the top 65 in their group.
Playing against Chile (19) and Ecuador (31) in the Copa America should have this squad very prepared for these three teams. If (and when) Mexico wins Group C, their only tough opponents should be the U.S. and Costa Rica. Just like the U.S., Costa Rica will be without their starting goalkeeper as well in Keylor Navas. The Real Madrid netminder is battling an Achilles tendon injury.
5. Depth
Don't worry Mexico fans, Guillermo Ochoa will be starting for your team in the Gold Cup. That means that Mexico is the only squad in the top 53 with their top goalie on the field. Big advantage Mexico. It will be tough without Hernandez on the field, but Giovani dos Santos of Villarreal is ready to go. Team captain Andrés Guardado leads the middle field while Francisco Javier Rodríguez will be directing the defense. Mexico has good players from top to bottom, and they have more than enough bench depth to deliver a seventh Gold Cup championship.
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