The Mexican National Team got off to a winning start in their World Cup campaign. Javier Aguirre’s El Tri secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Estadio Ciudad de México, completing the opening day festivities and breaking their curse in opening matches.
Mexico’s goals were scored by Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, two players who arrived at this World Cup eager for redemption. Quiñones hadn’t earned Aguirre’s full confidence throughout the qualifying process, while Jiménez had been denied a goal in previous World Cups.
Mexico’s performance dipped as the match progressed, despite playing almost the entire second half against 10 South Africans after Sphephelo Sithole’s expulsion. Even then, they couldn’t add to their tally, much to the frustration of Aguirre on the bench and the fans. The game began with all the euphoria of the Aztecs, who went all out to pressure their opponents, suffocating them. This proved key, as just nine minutes into the match, Quiñones, assisted by Erik Lira, scored his first goal of the tournament.
The team, coached by Vasco da Gama, was beginning to experience the joy they’ve enjoyed throughout 2016, having now gone nine games unbeaten, which has fostered a strong connection with the fans.
As the minutes ticked by, Mexico’s momentum began to wane, largely due to Brian Gutiérrez’s subpar performance. The Mexican-American, playing for Chivas, appeared nervous and erratic, which ultimately impacted the team’s overall system.
The second half started with the same intense pressure from the Mexicans, but once again, they lacked that final pass to threaten the South African goal, who were clearly struggling with the altitude and heat of Mexico City.
Adding to the difficulties the Africans were already facing was the fact that they were reduced to 10 men, forcing them to retreat even further and making it harder for the Mexicans to move the ball slowly, searching for openings and causing frustration among the fans.
The coach, Raúl Jiménez, had to change his team’s tactics, taking off Fidalgo and Brian to bring on Mora and Luis Chávez, who immediately injected new energy into the team, orchestrating the play that made Raúl Jiménez’s career.
With his arms raised to the sky, tears streaming down his face, and a huge shout, Jiménez celebrated his first World Cup goal. And it was no wonder; the fourth time was the charm, thanks to a pass from Roberto Alvarado, who had faced harsh criticism in previous matches for his lack of finishing.
The second goal brought relief to the fans; the victory was practically secured, and the South Africans had no way to respond to a match in which they were completely overwhelmed by the circumstances.
Towards the end, Montes was sent off for a foul as he was the last man back and breaking away towards Tala Rangel’s penalty area. Rangel, incidentally, had a very quiet afternoon.
El Tri is now focused on its second game, the match against South Korea in Guadalajara, where a positive result will guarantee their place in the next round. They must do everything possible to remain in Mexico City.
Source: msn
