Mexico lost against the US in the Nations League semifinals
Last night, the Mexican National Team, coached by Diego Cocca, put on what may be the worst game for El Tri since they lost against Chile 7-0 back in 2016.
The US dominated the game from start to finish and their players looked much better than the greens, physically and technically. The game started off with the Americans trying to inflict damage, but Mexico was able to contain them, later Mexico started pressing higher and with this, they cooled off the American attacks.
In the first 20 minutes of the game, Mexico tried to inflict damage with Antuna and Orbelin, but all their attempts fell short. It was until the 20’ that Antuna received the ball with impeccable technique coming in from the left, cut to the centre and took a shot on target, however goalie Matt Turner was able to keep the ball.
Two minutes later, Pulisic had the clearest chance for the Americans when he left behind Machín Alvarez inside the box, dribbled past Ochoa, but put his shot above the goal. That would be the first clear approach by Pulisic, who had a great game, and the first major mistake by Alvarez, who had a disastrous game.
Ten minutes later, Timothy Weah put a great cross for Pulisic, but the Chelsea player couldn’t reach the ball, in another good approximation for the Americans. Less than five minutes later at the 36’ an attack started by Giovanni Reyna caused an error between Alvarez and Jorge Sanchez, which was capitalized by Pulisic. He found himself with the ball in his feet inside the little box and shot to the far post, well outside Ochoa’s reach. For the remainder of the first half, the US would dominate the game and even made their fans chant the Ole in the Allegiant stadium of Las Vegas.
The second half was no different, immediately the Americans started attacking and at the 46’ Weah received a wide open long pass that came from behind the half line. He ran fast with the ball and served a beautiful pass to Pulisic, who correctly netted the ball. Dos a cero for the Americans. For the next twenty minutes the US kept a clear dominance over the greens, who tried to be offensive, but their attacks looked severely lacking and weak, especially compared to the fast and explosive counter attacks put on by the US.
At the 75’ another counter attack was brewing when Sergino Dest dribbled past three players just past the midfield with incredible skill, he served to Ricardo Pepi, who left Ochoa behind, and scored the third goal of the night. A round night for the Americans.
The remainder of the game transpired without much to report in football terms, both teams started fighting, and red and yellow cards started flying around. With this, Mexico signed its worst performance in recent memory reaching a low never reached by ‘Tata’ Martino. Now Mexico will play against Panama on Sunday, and they will watch the final of the 2023 Nations League at home.
