'The opportunity presents itself' - Julián Quiñones wants to show improvement with Mexico in upcoming CONCACAF Nations League matchup vs. Canada

Upon arriving at the Mexican National Team’s training camp in Los Angeles, Julián Quiñones spoke to the media ahead of Thursday’s Nations League semifinal against Canada. Quiñones acknowledged that he owes El Tri more after scoring just two goals in 10 matches last year. The forward played only 58 minutes in the first leg of the quarterfinals against Honduras and remained on the bench for the second leg.

"Yes, I believe that in the last tournament, I couldn't reach the level I wanted to show. Now the opportunity presents itself, and we want to do it in the way everyone wants, the way I’ve been doing it, as I’ve been showing in my team," Quiñones said.

Quiñones is enjoying a great run with Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League. The Mexican forward has scored 15 goals in 22 league matches and is competing for the Golden Boot against top players like Benzema (16 goals) and Cristiano Ronaldo (19 goals). Now, Quiñones aims to replicate his strong form with Javier Aguirre’s Mexican National Team.

"Javier Aguirre came to change many things in the national team, as it is showing great unity, both within the group and on the field, where everything is visible. That is what matters," Quiñones said. "He came to do good things and to improve everything."

Quiñones has had an outstanding performance with Al-Qadsiah this season, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists in 25 matches across all competitions. His team is currently in fourth place in the Saudi Pro League with 51 points.

El Tri will face Canada this Thursday at SoFi Stadium for a spot in the Nations League Final. This tournament has eluded the team since its inception, with Mexico reaching two finals and losing to the U.S. in both.