Breaking Down Mexico's Stale Performance in Victory over Panama

Mexico couldn't break down Panama, despite lining up some of their best footballers, like Javier Hernandez, Miguel Layun and Hector Herrera.

It took an individual effort by Erick "El Cubo" Torres to change the score and finally defeat Los Canaleros at the 88th minute.

So far, El Tri has failed to deliver convincing performances. Miguel Herrera has tried several players, but he has yet to find the perfect mix for his 5-3-2 formation.

Defense

Herrera has struggled with the back line.

Javier Rodriguez and Rafael Marquez weren't capped, plus Hector Moreno hasn't been available due to an injury and Carlos Salcido has announced his retirement from the national team.

This has pushed the coach to pick other defenders, but they haven't made a good impression, at least not as a group.

Hugo Ayala was solid. He used his experience to try to lead Miguel Angel Herrera and Luis Venegas in the center of the box, but it was a tough task for the UANL player.

The flanks were shaky, especially when Miguel Layun and Rodolfo Pizarro had to join the attacking zone.

Layun only completed 59 percent of the passes he sent, while Rodolfo Pizarro had a 65 percent of accuracy in that same department.

They only recovered four balls, two each.

Overall, Mexico's defensive line made 18 clearances and had 82 percent of accuracy in tackles, as per Goal.com.

It is urgent that Herrera starts making up his mind regarding those who will stand in front of the goalkeeper. 

Panama managed to put them in distress more than once, and it was Alfredo Talavera who stepped up.

El Tri's mistakes allowed Los Canaleros to show off their power and speed in counterattacks. 

Midfield

Javier Guemez made his first start with El Tri. His inexperience in this sort of games was his clearest disadvantage.

Although he has been a thriving force for Tijuana, Guemez seemed to be confused regarding his role in the lineup.

He couldn't link El Tri's lines efficiently, which hurt the team's rhythm. He recovered four balls and passed it 24 times.

Hector Herrera only played in the first half. Ever since the previous game against Honduras, the Porto midfielder hasn't been very sharp, which has to do more with fitness than with talent.

His passing accuracy was very poor. He only completed 11 passes, which translates into 61 percent.

Marco Fabian is still trying to get back to his old self, but time is running out quickly. The Cruz Azul midfielder couldn't feed many balls to his teammates.

Fabian had the worst average passing accuracy of the team, 36 percent.

Mexico had the ball more time than Panama. However, they couldn't deliver it accurately, which resulted in lack of goal opportunities and depth.

Attack

Javier Hernandez was the most lethal forward in the first half. He had two opportunities but couldn't put the ball away.

Javier Orozco was close to opening the score with a powerful header but also missed.

These two don't seem to be compatible in the attacking zone, mainly because they are finishers rather than creators.

Oribe Peralta is a player who knows when his teammates have more options to score than him hence he passes the ball.

Chicharito and El Chuleta don't complement.

If you add that Panama parked the bus, it is obvious that Mexico were very frustrated. This pushed them to make wrong decisions.

The final touch was missing, again. Overall, Mexico made 16 shots, but only five of them on target, as per Goal.com.

Christian Palma/Associated Press

Conclusion

Mexico didn't play as a team. It seemed like every line were playing their own game and that's why Panama was so tough to break down.

The coach needs to communicate better, especially with the youngsters that have never been around him. Let's not forget that many footballers have already played for Herrera, either with El Tri or with America.

However, there are others who still need to understand what the manager expects from them individually and as a group.

Nothing good will come from playing the rival's game. This is something that usually happens when Mexico faces other CONCACAF teams.

They have to focus on their own strategy and execute it, despite the other side's approach.

All stats appear courtesy of Mi Seleccion GameCast (Spanish), unless otherwise noted.