With ten men, U-22 Mexican team defies the odds and beats Argentina in Pan American games
The U-22 Mexican National team played the entire second half of their second group stage game of the Pan American Games with ten men and was still able to defeat a mighty Argentina.
After a subpar performance versus Panama in the opening round, many question marks were surrounding Jaime Lozano’s men. This time around, however, the Azteca side looked more confident from the get-go.
After starting a little more aggressive offensively than their previous game, El Tri was able to get on the scoreboard early in the game. Facundo Medina fouled Paolo Yrizar inside the box and with no VAR to review, the referee signaled a penalty in favor of the Mexicans.
Last game, Jose de Jesus Godinez failed what would have been the game-winning penalty kick versus Panama, instead Francisco Venegas took care of executing the penalty to perfection to give Mexico a 1-0 lead.
Los Albicelestes quickly regrouped and responded with several opportunities, including a shot from Anibal Moreno from outside the box that was saved by the Mexican goalkeeper.
As the Argentines kept pushing, it would only be a matter of time until one of their opportunities made its way into the back of the net. That chance would take place in the 39th minute on a set play from the left side of the box. After the cross went over several players, Adolfo Gaich found himself wide open inside the box and ripped a shot that flew by the Mexican goalie that tied things up.
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse for the Mexican side, they did. As the first half was winding down, the captain, Ismael Govea, commits a silly foul while covering the ball. He slaps an opponent inadvertently on the face, and whether or not, there was intent, the referee did not hesitate and showed Govea a straight red card. That foul forced Mexico to play the entire second half down one man.
In the second half, despite being down one player, Mexico continued to push forward and ironically played better football than the South Americans. Yrizar nearly scored on a phenomenal bicycle kick attempt in the 57th minute that Argentine goalkeeper taps out of play for an incredible save.
In the 79th minute, El Tri would finally breakthrough. After Godinez gets fouled borderline in the area, another penalty gets awarded to the Mexican team. This time, Godinez gets an opportunity for redemption converting from 12 feet out to give Mexico the 2-1 lead and eventual result.
The Mexican side showed a lot of character in this victory. Jaime Lozano must be pleased with the win as they only have to tie versus Ecuador on Sunday to move on to the semi-finals of the Pan American Games.
