Mexico vs Colombia: Chicharito Must Step Up and Carry Offensive Load for Mexico

Chicharito must step up if team Mexico has any chance of making a splash on the world football scene.

It's a simple equation for Mexico.

If Chicharito can carry the offensive load, spark the team, and let the rest of his teammates play their roles—Mexico can go far.

If he can't make things happen offensively though Mexico's game looks a lot different, and not for the better.

As it stands right now he needs far too much support offensively, and that's hurting the team as a whole, according to Jorge Arangure Jr. of ESPN Soccer:

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With Dos Santos passively playing in the middle, Mexico's offensive attack is forced to come from the wings. In trying to create chances for Chicharito, de la Torre has ordered his defenders to heavily commit offensively.

Once an attack stalls or the ball is turned over—something that happens often these days with Dos Santos lacking form—Mexico's central defense and defensive midfield are exposed when the fullbacks can't get back in time. Such a strategy can work against a slower team like Serbia. Against a speedy team like Colombia, the plan is disastrous.

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This offensive strategy will only get them so far. Chicharito needs to get the ball and make things happen, because asking the defense to play a big role in that is just a bit too much on a large scale.

As Arangure Jr pointed out, it leaves Mexico open to counter attacks, and more often then not against the good teams you're asking to get burnt defensively.

A 2-0 loss to Colombia would suggest getting burnt defensively, and it will continue to happen as long as Chicharito needs the extra support.

He needs to play like a superstar and make something happen offensively.

This team needs him to get the job done in that aspect. His one job is to produce offense and score, and if he can't do that the rest of the team suffers.

Just like any good superstar, Chicharito needs to put team Mexico on his back.