In the end, Javier Aguirre acted as the country's saviour-in-chief, taking over and sealing four wins and a draw in the final five matches to earn a late World Cup berth.
The former international, who represented his country in the 1986 finals, turned the Mexican side into a more physical outfit, strong on the ball and harsh in the tackle.
And that dramatic overhaul came courtesy of 18 new players in the squad.
Aguierre has warned that he will wield the axe more vehemently as the finals near.
"When I got to the national team I found tired players, without desire," the 42-year-old said.
"And Mexico did not play good football during the qualification process."
With only five matches remaining, Mexico were lagging behind the USA and Costa Rica, their main rivals for qualification, with just four points.
Their late surge saw them move ahead of the States but a record of only five goals away from home, compared to 27 in the Azteca, remains a concern.
Despite this apparent travel sickness, Aguirre believes his side could put it right in time for June.