Mexico’s task in front of 80,000 plus supporters at the Rose Bowl had been clearly defined following Uruguay’s shock 1-0 defeat to Venezuela earlier in the day. Win and they advanced to the Copa America quarter-finals. Thanks to a powerful header from Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez and a neat finish from Oribe Peralta, Mexico have guaranteed their place in the Copa's knockout rounds.
In the absence of the suspended Andres Guardado, Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio rang in the changes for El Tri. Guillermo Ochoa replaced Alfredo Talavera in goal, Yasser Corona was drafted into defense, Jesus Duenas replaced Guardado in midfield and Raul Jimenez joined the attack.
Juan Carlos Osorio made a change to every level of Mexico's starting XI. Photo: @CA2016 | Twitter
Jamaica came into the match needing a victory of their own, something they hadn’t managed against Mexico since 1997. Unfortunately for the Reggae Boyz, it was also against a Mexican side that hadn’t lost in 20 games, making them the hottest team in the world.
A Mexican wave could be seen as early as the fourth minute, El Tri supporters clearly feeling in a celebratory mood following their momentous victory over Uruguay in their first match.
Mexico’s players looked confident as well, but Jamaica had the game’s first clear opportunity — Clayton Donaldson charging through on goal before firing narrowly wide of Ochoa’s far post.
Jamaica went toe to toe with Mexico for 15 minutes, Je-Vaughn Watson showing their determination with a crunching tackle on Jimenez.
Didn't see him coming #MEXvJAM #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/xoJooHrBH8
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) June 10, 2016
However, all their good work was undone by the predatory instincts of Chicharito. The Mexican striker drifted away from Wes Morgan, presumably still celebrating Leicester City’s title, and powered in a header from seven yards out.
Chicharito nets his 45th goal for Mexico to move one shy of the all-time record. #CopaAmerica #MEXvJAM #MyCopaColors https://t.co/PplhWXgdYM
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 10, 2016
It was his 45th goal for El Tri, one shy of Mexico's all-time record. Mexico continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession throughout the first half, but Jamaica’s press caused problems for El Tri. Jamaica looked almost certain to equalize in the 35th minute when a low cross found Watson with a lot of space at the far post. His shot was straight at Corona and blocked.
Jamaica once again asked questions of Mexico in the 39th minute, the restored Ochoa making a massive save to keep his side in the lead.
WHAT. A. SAVE, Ochoa. #MEXvJAM #MyCopaColors #ElTri https://t.co/z27tMSGnrP
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 10, 2016
It was a frantic five minutes for Mexico, and a lot of credit should go to Jamaica for pressing the issue.
By the time the halftime whistle sounded, it was anybody’s guess as to how we’d only seen a single goal in the match. The answer was probably somewhere between the brilliance of Ochoa and the hapless finishing of Jamaica.
The start of the second half signaled a change in Mexico. They came sprinting out of the gates — Chicharito was only inches away from doubling Mexico's advantage. A series of near-chances pointed towards another goal for El Tri, but Jamaica remained dangerous opponents while only a goal down.
In the 63rd minute, Jamaica were left fuming over a contentious penalty decision. Eso fue penal.
Penalty or no penalty? #MEXvJAM #MyCopaColors https://t.co/aZVHQQlDTL
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 10, 2016
Osorio's changes to the lineup no longer looked inspired by the 70th minute. Jamaica were clearly on top. Credit to Osorio, he admitted his mistakes by making a couple of early substitutions. For supporters of El Tri, the only thing to be thankful for was that chance after chance was falling to Jamaica's Donaldson — he couldn't buy a goal on the night.
With Jamaica continuing to threaten, Peralta finally scored the second goal of the match in the 81st minute to ease tensions around the Rose Bowl.
Moments after coming on for Chicharito, Oribe Peralta doubles Mexico's lead. #MEXvJAM #MyCopaColors #ElTri https://t.co/ZyrS43kzWo
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 10, 2016
The final scoreline, 2-0, flattered Mexico but the job was effectively done. All that remains in group play is a crunch first place decider against Venezuela on June 13. The loser of that match will almost certainly be condemned to play Argentina in the quarters.
Follow me on Twitter: @ConmanFleming
