Mexico Without Osorio For Next 6 Matches
Mexico head man Juan Carlos Osorio was suspended by FIFA for his team’s next 6 matches today. The suspension comes just as Mexico look to rebound from a somewhat disappointing performance at last month’s FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.
Osorio Explodes While El Tri Implodes
The action comes as a response to the coach’s (mis-)behavior towards officials during that tournament. The official statement mentions only his abusive outburst against officials during the third place match. However, earlier in the tournament Osorio had been videotaped on the sidelines shouting obscenities at officials opposition players.
The fiery Colombian coach had faced criticism from Mexico supporters going into the Confederations Cup. Most of those unhappy with him have cited his team’s poor defending.
The tournament in Russia did nothing to counter those arguments. Mexico were defeated handily in the knockout stage semifinal by reigning World Cup champs Germany, 4-1. The German team fielded against Mexico, however, did not feature any member of the side which had (in-)famously trounced hosts Brazil at the World Cup finals in 2014.
Coach Faces Friendly Fire
Despite Mexico’s successful showing in the group stage last month, including a 2-all draw with a full-strength Portuguese side, Osorio has faced even more criticism since.
The question of Osorio’s future with Mexico has become hotly debated this week. And calls for his dismissal are getting harder to ignore. With the Gold Cup looming, Osorio himself has kept a low profile since returning from Russia. But he has vocal supporters as well.
Mexico Turns to Gold Cup and World Cup
The Mexican Federation remains steadfast behind their coach for now. It may turn out to be the case that his suspension will be the catalyst needed to bring his team together.
Next: Full Gold Cup Tv Schedule
The irony is that Osorio will now be absent from his most important test as Mexico’s leader. A turnaround from last month’s failures to hoisting the hardware this month could be just the medicine he needs.
Mexico are set to kick off their Gold Cup Group A play this Sunday night in San Diego versus El Salvador.