PHOENIX -- Mexico could only draw 0-0 against Guatemala in Group C of the Gold Cup in a shocking result against a team El Tri was predicted to defeat comfortably.
The point means that Mexico is now second in the group behind Trinidad and Tobago, which defeated Cuba 2-0 on Sunday. El Tri will play the Caribbean side on Wednesday in Charlotte in the final group game to decide which team finishes in first position. Here are three observations from University of Phoenix Stadium.
1. Mexico still struggles against physical, well-organized teams
This is not breaking news. The problems Mexico has had against increasing well-prepared teams from CONCACAF are well-documented. El Tri came perilously close to not qualifying for the World Cup during the annus horribilis of 2013, and that ghost doesn't seem to have been exorcized given Sunday's evidence.
Jose Manuel "Chepo" de la Torre may be long gone, but Mexico coach Miguel Herrera's team looked similar in terms of struggling to create real chances and converting possession into incisive chances. In fact, El Tri had 80 percent of the ball against a Guatemala team happy to cede it to them, yet the Central American side had its own opportunities and should've taken the lead in the eighth minute when Minor Lopez had a golden opportunity from inside the penalty area.
All night, Mexico stroked the ball from one side of pitch to the other, played neat triangles and kept possession well. But El Tri couldn't convert that into goals.
An inspired Guatemala went into challenges hard, disrupted Mexico's flow with tactical fouls and was rewarded with a vital point. Just 11 days ago, Honduras did exactly the same in Houston in a similar match and it appears the blueprint is set on how to frustrate this Mexico team. Guatemala executed its game-plan almost to perfection and others will do exactly the same.
There is a lack of penetration from Mexico's more attacking players and with two holding central midfielders in Jose Juan "Gallito" Vazquez and Jonathan dos Santos, the onus falls on the winger to get in behind the defense. And with Andres Guardado and Hector Herrera predominantly used more centrally in the 4-4-2 formation where the duo play with the game is in front of them, Mexico lacks that width.
It is a problem Mexico coach Herrera has to find the answer to. If he can't, it would be no surprise if one of the so-called lesser sides with a little more overall quality than Guatemala knocked Mexico out of this Gold Cup.
2. Giovani dos Santos must start over Peralta
Cries of "Gio, Gio" came from the Phoenix crowd early in the second half, and considering the 26-year-old's recent form, combined with Oribe Peralta not firing, it would seem logical to start Dos Santos in the final group match against Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The fact the Villarreal forward, who is reportedly close to a move to MLS outfit Los Angeles Galaxy, was introduced in the 83rd minute left everyone scratching their heads. Why he wasn't brought on earlier was a mystery to the majority of the 62,910 crowd.
Dos Santos' history with Vela goes back to the 2005 Under-17 World Cup and the two are good friends off the field. It must be time to see if that chemistry can be rekindled on the field.
Herrera seems to prefer a center forward who is a true number nine and can stretch the opposition defense, but surely Vela could play that role, while Dos Santos plays off him.
What is certain is that Peralta didn't do himself any favors on Sunday with a lackluster display and by missing a golden opportunity from short-range in the 75th minute.
3. Herrera once again under pressure
Having the obligation to win the Gold Cup creates a different and more intense kind of pressure for Mexico coach Herrera. The obvious implication is that there will be consequences should El Tri not win the tournament.
The media and fans in Mexico will be sharpening their knives after Sunday's display, and the excuses about missing chances and not getting refereeing decision is becoming tiresome.
El Tri has already failed at the Copa America this year and the position of Mexico's head coach is particularly unforgiving historically.
If there is a positive for Herrera, it is that Mexico can still defeat Trinidad and Tobago in the final Group C game and finish in first, and that the players still seem to be very much on his side and at ease with him, which can't be said about previous coaches.
Too many more matches like Sunday's, however, and that won't be enough to save Herrera.