Saturday night’s friendly with the US will provide Rafa Márquez his first true test as El Tri’s head coach

The Rafael Márquez era kicked off last week with a pair of 1-1 draws against South American squads, but it truly gets under way Saturday night when El Tri squares off against a precocious U.S. squad outside Phoenix, Arizona.

Though just a friendly at the beginning of a long process pointing toward the 2030 World Cup, the intensity of this regional rivalry promises to make the outcome more impactful than it otherwise would be.

Márquez took the reins from Javier Aguirre shortly after El Tri’s thrilling 3-2 loss to England in the World Cup.

Both managers are focused more on development than results at this stage, but a loss to Team USA would be a blemish for Márquez, especially since U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino summoned 13 uncapped players, including eight teenagers.

A legendary defender and national team captain, “Rafa” assembled an experimental 30-man roster with a healthy mixture of veteran experience, players in their prime and youthful promise.

Unlike Pochettino, who provides continuity to the U.S. camp, Márquez is attempting to install a new, faster playing style that will require repetition, trial-and-error and patience.

Thus far, Mexico’s performance has been mixed. 

Against Colombia in Baltimore last Saturday, Rafa trotted out an experienced team that was able to weather an early storm from a Cafeteros side largely similar to the line-up that looked so impressive at the World Cup.

Mexico settled down after falling behind in minute 9, dominating possession for long stretches and outshooting the South Americans 14-4. Teen sensation Gilberto Mora equalized in minute 62 with a splendid individual effort and El Tri fans were no doubt pleased with the overall effort.

Against Peru in New Jersey on Tuesday, however, a more callow line-up looked less decisive in attack and sloppy in possession against an inferior side. 

Through two games, it is apparent that Rafa has work to do. He must address a toothless front line, instill the concept of quick ball movement and emphasize the importance of better first touches (a severe problem against Peru).

Although the 2030 World Cup is the ultimate goal, coach Márquez will get his first meaningful test next month in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals.

Regardless of the outcome against Team USA (and against Chile on Oct. 6), what remains to be seen is whether the notoriously hypercritical Mexican sporting press avoids unnecessary hairsplitting and keeps the long-term goal in focus.