Mexico cruise to victory over Venezuela & lose Alvarez to injury
Mexico was able to overcome an early scare and cruised to a 3-1 victory over a lackluster Venezuela team but may have lost Edson Alvarez for the Gold Cup in the process. Tata Martino made a triumphant return to Atlanta where he won the 2018 MLS Championship with Atlanta United.
Venezuela got on the board first on a bizarre play in the 17th minute, when Jhon Murillo attempted to cross the ball, made awkward contact, and the ball floated over Orozco to find its way inside the goal.
Mexico may have taken another hit to an already depleted team in the 26th minute when Darwin Machis caught Alvarez’ ankle and twisted his right knee awkwardly. Alvarez tried to return to play but was unable to and was subbed off just a few moments later.
El Tri equalized the game in the 31st minute by way of Roberto Alvarado. Rodolfo Pizarro deflected a ball off Yordan Osorio in the Venezuela box which Alvarado found and unleashed a left-footed rocket to the back of the net.
La Vinotinto seemed to be robbed of a penalty kick on the very next play when Tomas Rincon split two Mexican defenders and seemed to be taken down by Alvarado and Navarro in the box, but the referee waved play on.
Mexico went ahead as a result of a lethal counterattack in the 53rd minute when Orozco quickly played a ball up the field off a Venezuela corner, which Jimenez played to Gallardo who crossed a pass that was blocked by a Venezuelan defender only to land at Gallardo’s feet who again crossed the ball to an awaiting Pizarro to tap in.
El Tri could’ve put the game away in the 62nd minute but Wuilker Farinez was able to save back to back shots before Jimenez was called for a dangerous play just before Diego Reyes headed the ball in.
A pair of recently subbed players put the game away in the 75th minute, when Andres Guardado blasted a Uriel Antuna cross into the lower right corner for the game winner.
The win is bittersweet for El Tri because they played a solid game, but not knowing the severity of Alvarez’ injury must be worrisome for a shorthanded Mexican squad. On the plus side, youngsters Carlos Rodriguez and Uriel Atuna made the most of their opportunities and will give Martino plenty to think about as he cuts his roster to 23.
