Mexico’s win against Jamaica was hard fought to say the least, as El Tri rode their luck at times to get a 1-0 win in their Copa América opener in Houston. The Mexicans were thankful to full-back Gerardo Arteaga for the narrow victory.
With just over twenty minutes left Arteaga hit a left-foot wonder strike from the edge of the penalty area. It was to prove to be the only goal of the game. But an injury to captain Edson Álvarez before halftime was on top of a disappointing Mexico performance. So it was a difficult night for El Tri boss Jaime Lozano.
Three Key Takeaways From Mexico’s Win Against Jamaica
Lack Of A Cutting Edge Not Helped By Álvarez Injury
Mexico didn’t create enough clear-cut opportunities against the Reggae Boyz. The loss of their talismanic captain Edson Álvarez, on the half-hour mark, certainly didn’t help. When the Mexicans got in good areas they squandered their opportunities – until defender Arteaga popped up with his match-winning strike.
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Santiago Giménez, Mexico’s danger man, had little service. Though he did manage a couple of decent attempts on goal – one in each half. Overall, however, Giménez had a pretty miserable evening, was substituted, and then saw his side get the breakthrough soon after he had left the pitch.
El Tri did also rely too much on long-range shooting against a side they were expected to beat quite comfortably. Providing better service for Giménez is a major area Mexico need to improve on. The Feyenoord striker proved last season that he would get any team goals given the service.
Julio González Cements His Place
With the Mexico goalkeeping position up for grabs before the tournament, Julio González has seemingly established himself as El Tri’s number one for the rest of the competition. González looked assured and was one of the best players for the Mexicans on the night.
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As well as making some fine saves, González’s overall handling was good. The goalkeeping department then is one area Lozano doesn’t have a problem with.
Cut Open Too Easily
Lozano does have headaches in other areas though. He will have been alarmed at how his side failed to contain Jamaican attacks, even despite the huge loss of Álvarez.
A warning shot for El Tri came a few minutes into the second half. West Ham United’s Michail Antonio thought he had put Jamaica ahead, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR check. It was a close call, but it was also indicative of the problems that the Reggae Boyz were causing the Mexicans.
Jamaica cut through Mexico’s midfield all too often. It was only the combination of a lack of composure and González in goal that denied the Jamaicans the goal their overall play merited. So, both offensively and defensively, Lozano will be hoping for improvements in El Tri’s next game against Venezuela.
