“You lack stature”, Argentine journalist lays into El Tri 🇲🇽

Mexico ’s triumphant debut in the World Cup did not leave everyone satisfied. Despite the 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, strong international criticism appeared immediately. Controversial Argentine journalist Toti Pasman launched a harsh attack on the national team, claiming that Javier Aguirre’s side lacks the mentality needed to go far in the tournament.

Pasman strongly criticized El Tri’s tactical approach after taking the lead. The analyst argued that, with the situation in their favor and the support of more than 80,000 fans, Mexico chose to sit back instead of pushing for a rout against an opponent he considered extremely limited.

"You have no greatness, Mexico, no greatness. That’s why you’re a losing national team in the history of the World Cups," Pasman declared in his editorial.

The commentator also lashed out at the refereeing crew’s performance. From his point of view, Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio favored the Mexican side by leaving South Africa down to nine men. Likewise, he downplayed Julián Quiñones’ goal by saying the first half was “a little gift” from the opponent and that the later sending-off of captain César 'Cachorro' Montes was only meant to “balance things out a little.”

Finally, the journalist said that the approach proposed by 'Vasco' Aguirre and Rafael Márquez fell short in terms of entertainment. He concluded that, to watch such a conservative style, the directors should have turned to the past: "They should have called Lavolpe or Bigotón, who at least likes attacking football."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.