FIFA World Cup 2022: Mexico’s high attacking presence held by Poland’s defensive set up – tactical analysis

We are now on day four of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and we have already had a fair share of controversy and shock, both on and off the pitch. Whether it’s England’s dazzling performance in their 6-2 win over Iran on Monday, Gareth Bale scoring Wales’ first World Cup goal since 1958 (Terry Medwin vs Hungary) to clinch a draw against the USA or Saudi Arabia’s stunning win over Argentina, there have already been some memorable moments.

In that group along with Argentina and Saudi Arabia are Mexico and Poland, who battled to a 0-0 draw in Tuesday’s third game of the day. This tactical analysis will take a look at how the game unfolded. This will include an analysis of the attacking tactics of Mexico as they looked to put their stamp on the game – particularly in wide areas, as well as an analysis of Poland’s defensive tactics and how they looked to hit their opponents on the break.

Lineups

Mexico boss Gerardo Martino, who recently claimed he is public enemy number one after a run of poor results prior to this competition, selected his side based on a 4-3-3 shape that was designed to encourage aggressive, attacking tactics. World Cup veteran and cult hero for the neutral fan Guillermo Ochoa started between the sticks whilst wearing the captain’s armband, with former Espanyol and Roma man Héctor Moreno being a leader from the back.

Familiar names lined up in midfield with the likes of Héctor Herrera and Ajax’s Edson Álvarez took to the field, with Napoli winger Hirving Lozano offering support from the right flank. Henry Martín led the line for the first 71 minutes before being replaced by Premier League striker Raúl Jiménez as Mexico looked to take advantage of their strong grip on the game.

Given the number of high-quality players at Poland manager Czesław Michniewicz’s disposal, it may be a surprise to some that they weren’t able to take control of the game. They lined up in a 4-5-1 shape which included Aston Villa man Matty Cash at the back. The midfield was in good stead too – Piotr Zieliński was arguably the man they would’ve looked to for midfield influence. Legendary striker Robert Lewandowski was the lone striker and did not have a day to remember as he saw his penalty saved by Ochoa.

Mexico’s high attacking presence and wide overloads

On paper, there isn’t a great deal separating the two teams. Each side has its star players in Lozano and Lewandowski (even if one is a level above the other), so it came as a surprise to some people that Mexico took control of the game in terms of possession and pitch depth. Interestingly, they looked to pin Poland back whilst stretching them – the analysis below looks to understand how they set about this.