Mexico eliminated from Confederations Cup

Italy's 4-3 win over Japan has eliminated Mexico from the Confederations Cup. El Tri still have to play Japan in their group play finale, but with Brazil and Italy on six points, point-less Mexico have no chance to advance to the knockout stages.

Mexico's elimination could mark the end of the Jose Manuel "Chepo" de la Torre era for El Tri. The embattled manager could have been fired after yet another scoreless draw at the Azteca last week left Mexico with just one win in six Hex matches, but the FMF decided to give him a chance with the team at the Confederations Cup. Two losses in Brazil later and an early exit from the tournament figures to be the final nail in Chepo's coffin, though.

For all of the consternation over the Mexico attack, which remains impotent no matter who Chepo puts alongside or behind Javier Hernandez, it has been the defense that has been just as bad in Brazil. Maza Rodriguez continues to be an abomination his inclusion in the team can't be explained away by the injury to Hugo Ayala because he was starting even when the Mexico defense was at full fitness. Hector Moreno hasn't has his best stretch either, while the fullbacks continue to be a concern and Chepo's inability to identify a double pivot has left the defense exposed far too often.

All these problems have Mexico going home, most likely with a vacancy at manager.