Aaaaaaaaaand breathe, Mexican fans.
Mexico were able to gain their first three points of the 2024 Copa América after defeating Concacaf-colleague Jamaica 1-0 on Saturday in what was bittersweet start to their tournament.
Edson Álvarez injury, to miss rest Copa América
El Tri’s Copa América opener started with a huge blow after captain and star midfielder Edson Álvarez fell to the ground following an apparent leg injury, forcing his substitution in the 22nd minute.
Álvarez was helped off the field by medical staff, with his participation in the rest of the Copa América being very unlikely.
Edson Álvarez had to leave the game after going down untouched on this play pic.twitter.com/0OlBkvqvoU
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2024
This didn’t stop Mexico from continuing their first-half domination over the Reggae Boyz, with Luis Romo and Julián Quiñones coming close to scoring the opener.
Luis Romo is just wide on this shot for Mexico pic.twitter.com/Vd6bnm6RE5
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2024
Ouch. Dexter Lembikisa took this one to the head pic.twitter.com/xV9FzvByIV
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2024
Jamaica had their own fair share of chances after the restart, with West Ham’s Michail Antonio’s bullet header getting disallowed after a very clear offside overturn by the VAR.
After review Jamaica's goal is disallowed ❌
Do you agree with the call? pic.twitter.com/NPq86KRaLI— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2024
Mexico reestablished their dominance following the ‘scare’, with multiple attempts from the attack ending in Jamaican goalkeeper Jahmali Waite’s arms.
Gerardo Arteaga goal vs. Jamaica
It wasn’t until the 69th minute when Luis Romo (who replaced Álvarez in the first half) found the ball at the edge of the box and squared it to left-back Gerardo Arteaga for a sublime first-timed hit. Impossible to save. This was Arteaga’s second goal for Mexico.
MEXICO FINALLY BREAKS THROUGH
Gerardo Arteaga with a beauty of a strike pic.twitter.com/tDzDeMzIbQ— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2024
El Tri now sit second in Group B, only behind Venezuela on goals scored after the vinotinto defeated Ecuador 2-1 hours prior. They will face Venezuela on Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST.
