FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Despite reaching the final phase on no fewer than 11 occasions Mexico have always flattered to deceive with just two quarter-final appearances to their name both on home ground. But things have been stirring Mexico way recently despite a flurry of managerial changes and the fact the team has just risen to fourth in the FIFA standings is largely down to new coach Manuel Lapuente.

Prior to his arrival, confusion had reigned with three coaches at the helm in less than five years. Although Bora Milutinovic won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 1996 and also the US Cup the World Cup qualifiers brought historic defeats to Jamaica and Honduras. Although the Mexicans still qualified, third place in the Copa America wasn’t enough to save Milutinovic and in came Lapuente for a second spell in charge after a seven-year gap to take the side to a Gold Cup win in February.

Lapuente, 53, has used barely half the 40-plus players deployed by Milutinovic. But after estimating that “we’re only 40 percent of the way to where we need to be,” he is likely to draw on proven performers such as 100-cap keeper Jorge Campos, recently out in the cold. “We must make consistency our watchword,” says Lapuente, who took the helm prior to last December’s Confederations Cup in Saudi Arabia, where his men lost to Australia, thrashed the Saudis and then succumbed 3-1 to Brazil.

In previous World Cups the Mexicans have been consistent only in their inconsistency, topping a tight group containing Italy, Ireland and Norway only to exit to eventual semi-finalists Bulgaria on penalties in round two four years ago. After dispensing with Lapuente first time round for his apparent disdain for officialdom, the federation had a change of heart as they grew disenchanted with everyone else on offer and after he took Necaxa to two league titles and a cup between 1994 and 1997.

Lapuente loves to mix and match his team and tactics according to his opponents. But he thereby runs the risk of shuffling his pack so much that his own players may also fail to identify the game plan.