Mexico Beats Out El Salvador To Secure Spot in Quarter Finals.
Much to everyone’s surprise, it came down to the last day of the group stages for Mexico to secure their ticket to the Quarter Finals, or rather, to secure a first-place spot in their group, Group A. While most people felt confident Mexico would pass on to the next round, not everyone was convinced they would do so with a first-place standing. After a tie with Trinidad & Tobago and win against Guatemala, Mexico was in second place coming into this game. El Salvador was in first place after winning both of their initial games. All this made this one a must win for Mexico. El Salvador on their end also knew of the importance of this game for them, and it seemed as if the fans did as well. They showed up in force and were surprisingly outnumbering the Mexicans in attendance. Or at least it felt that way to many, including the players.
Despite all this, Mexico came out swinging right out of the gate. The first and only goal of the game came in the first half thanks to a show of individual showmanship from Luis “El Chaka” Rodriguez. That lone goal scored in the 26th minute of play would be enough to earn Mexico the win. Of course, throughout the game, and as the score suggests, it wasn’t just all about Mexico. El Salvador also played a great game as well, with their goalkeeper, Mario Gonzalez saving a few key shots. Thanks in large part to him, they were able to keep the game as close as they did. On the attacking front as well, and particularly towards the end of the second half, El Salvador came close to tying the score and even taking the lead. Luck however was not on their side, at one point even hitting the side post off a free kick against a frozen Talavera.
With the Group Stages behind both teams, they will have to wait until Tuesday to know who their opponents will be in the Quarter Finals. Mexico and El Salvador will await the runner up and winner to Group D, respectively. For them, that means it will be between Honduras and Qatar.
