JJ Macias and the youngsters rescue Mexico as they beat Panama in the Nations League
Gerardo Tata Martino and Mexico beat Panama in their second game of the CONCACAF Nations League in front of 23,480 fans, one of the smallest crowds ever for an official match of the Mexican National Team at Estadio Azteca.
Tata made five modifications to his starting lineup, but it was evident from the start that the Panamanian side was going to be a much tougher opponent than Bermuda.
The first 25 minutes showcased Mexico controlling much of the ball; however, Panama did not allow them to create any threats to their goal.
In the first sign of danger, Hirving El Chucky Lozano nearly opened up the score for the El Tri with a long-range shot that crashed on the crossbar.
Tata’s men were finally able to breakthrough in the 28th minute. Roberto El Piojo Alvarado scored with a potent shot following a give-and-go with Rodolfo Pizarro and gave the Mexican team some tranquility.
The defensive woes continued for Mexico. Panama had not reached the Mexican side of the field during the entire game when a mistake allowed the Central American squad to penetrate El Tri’s goal. Panama dispossessed the home team from the ball, and Gabriel Torres’ cross would end up in the back of the net after Carlos Salcedo clearance attempt ricocheted the ball into his team’s goal.
Mexico’s disappointing finish of the first half gave Martino something to ponder; however, the skipper made no modifications.
The visiting team’s confidence continued in the second half, and Panama nearly took a 2-1 lead, but Raul Gudiño brilliantly saved a shot from LeJuan Simmons.
With the clock working against his team, Tata made his first modification and brought in Sebastian Cordova to replace Erick Aguirre. A strong challenge by Fidel Escobar, who stepped on Chucky’s ankle, would eventually force the Napoli star out of the game.
The injury paved the way for Jose Juan Macias to come into the game, and it only took ten minutes for the young starlet to make an impact. Mexico showed its best football on a play that involved Pizarro, Alvarado, and eventually, JJ Macias. The youngster finished the play with a powerful shot that beat the Panamanian goalkeeper and gave Mexico a 2-1 lead.
The goal allowed the home to breathe a sigh of relief and changed the momentum of the game. Panama continued to be aggressive and physical but was unable to create dangerous plays.
In stoppage time, Rodolfo Pizarro would score a goal with a nice shot just inside the 18-yard box and sealed the deal for the Mexican squad who now lead their Nations League group.
In conclusion, the score does not reflect the reality of the game. Mexico looked vulnerable at times and appeared lost at times. Panama proved once again that the Central American teams are no walk-in-the-park and that Tata should continue to be cautious and hold these teams to the same standard as his most prestigious rivals.
The Nations League will resume next month on the 15th and 19th.
