Mexico escapes with a narrow 3-2 Gold Cup win against Martinique.
Mexico headed out to Charlotte, North Carolina to round out their participation in the group stage of the 2019 Gold Cup against the modest country of Martinique. For their final match of group play, Mexico coach Tata Martino made a few changes to his lineup, opting for Cesar Montes and Fernando Navarro in defense, while also resting Memo Ochoa for Jonathan Orozco in goal. Another game-time decision and slight surprise was the absence of Rodolfo Pizarro in the starting lineup. The were rumblings that the Monterrey playmaker would start, now having recovered from his prior injury; however, el Tata decided to keep Antuna in for the Monterrey midfielder.
By the end of the game, it would seem that his changes were for the better. Things started off well for the Mexico team, dominating, to no ones surprise. However, Martinique came in intent on making Mexico’s day rough, which they eventually succeeded in doing throughout the whole game. While Mexico dominated, Martinique’s defense made it difficult for the Mexico team to really build on anything. It wasn’t until the 29th minute that Mexico would find themselves opening up their scoring tally. Even still, the goal came by way of an individual effort by LA Galaxy youngster, Uriel Antuna, one of Tata’s game day decisions. His low shot from just outside the box was enough to just sneak past Martinique’s goalie and was enough for Mexico to take the 1-0 lead into the second half. Aside from a long distance shot by Raul Jimenez, Antuna’s goal was one of the few real chances at goal that the Mexico team had.
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For the second half, el Tata looked to change things up a little and brought in Rodolfo Pizarro in the place of ex-Necaxista, Roberto Alvarado. At the 56th minute, Martinique, who hadn’t set foot in the Mexico penalty box all game, nor came near it, found themselves on the receiving end of a Mexico foul just outside the box. The island’s star forward, Kevin Parsemain, would not be forgiving and scored a truly stunning free-kick goal, sending the ball into the top right corner leaving Jonathan Orozco with little to nothing to do. A shocked Mexico team, now tied 1-1 with the small island nation, insisted with more effort, looking to avoid embarrassment. This initial shock only lasted a few minutes, because 5 minutes later Rodolfo Pizarro would place in an easy cross to Raul Jimenez who would score the 2-1. Even with the one-goal lead, Mexico wanted more, and indeed the near 60-thousand fans in attendance were also clamoring for more. At the 65th minute, captain Andres Guardado came close to expanding the lead with a free-kick shot of his own, however, to his disappointment, that attempt ended up being rejected by the top goal post. The El Tri faithful didn’t have to wait for long after that for the next goal though, because at the 72nd minute another individual play, by another Tata modification to the lineup, would end up scoring to put Mexico up 3-1. This time it was Leon’s Fernando Navarro, who seized the opportunity given by the coach and had himself a quiet, yet effective game. Mexico kept insisting and was looking to amplify the score, however they received a second shock from Martinique when defender Jordy Delem scored a header for the Islanders at the 84th minute. Despite Mexico’s continued efforts in the final stretch, the game ended in a 3-2 win for el Tata and company. It was an expected win to be sure, but with an unexpected score for those accustomed to seeing Mexico demolish Caribbean teams.
With the group stage being over for the Mexico National Team, they’ll head out to Houston for the Quarterfinals, facing off against either Costa Rica or Haiti, pending their results tomorrow.
