HOUSTON, UNITED STATES.- The Selection of Mexico did not disappoint in its debut Copa America 2024 and fulfilled what was written on paper after fairly beating 1-0 Jamaica at the beginning of the actions of group B.
When it seemed that Jamaican goalkeeper Jahmali Waite was an impassable obstacle for the Aztec offensive, a powerful missile from Gerardo Arteaga was the way by which Jaime Lozano’s team ended up winning by the minimum in an NRG Stadium that, despite not It was completely filled, it was quite a Tricolor party.
With this triumph El Tri achieves a key victory before facing Venezuela, a team that this afternoon won 2-1 against Ecuador. The Azteca sealed a good debut in the continental competition after a series of friendly matches that filled the Mexican environment with doubts.
Now Mexico and Venezuela command group B with three units, while Ecuador and Jamaica are in the last places with zero units. The next day will be key to defining the outcome of this sector.
Sensitive low in the Tri
The first half had a more even process with dangerous actions for both sides, but if there was one action that marked the start of the game it was the injury of Azteca captain Edson Álvarez, who left the field in tears at 27 minutes after suffering an injury muscular.
In the absence of a medical report, everything seems to indicate that the West Ham player could miss the rest of the tournament.
In terms of play, Mexico and Jamaica exchanged dangerous actions, with the Reggae Boyz being the ones who left a feeling of slight improvement.
The Caribbean team tested goalkeeper Julio González, who was solid under the three posts to avoid any surprises.
Mexico pressed at the close of the first half with a series of approaches that were well contained by Waite, who from that moment began to enhance his figure on the court.
Arteaga, the hero of Tri
The second half did not start in the best way for Mexico. Jamaica went to the Tricolor area and achieved what seemed like a 1-0 lead with a header from Michail Antonio that made the ghosts haunt Houston. However, the VAR verified that the top Jamaican star was ahead of the game when it came to heading in. the area.
After the technological intervention, Mexico reacted very well and took over the game. The Aztecs began to generate more danger with good combinations that tested Waite, who was a real wall and made us forget the figure of the injured goalkeeper Blake.
For several minutes Waite was a wall that covered everything until the Mexicans found a way to defeat him and thus be able to celebrate with their fans.
After a rejection in the area, the ball slowly bounced towards Gerardo Arteaga, who immediately unleashed an unstoppable shot that shook the net and made it 1-0 in the 68th minute. Justice was being done and Mexico was winning.
Arteaga’s goal was the peace of mind that Mexico needed to handle the match, however, in the 80th minute, Jaime Lozano’s men lost control of the match and suffered to secure the victory.
The closest Jamaica came was thanks to Lembikisa at the end. The winger tested González with a shot from outside the area, but the Pumas goalkeeper was in charge of ensuring the Tricolor victory.
With its homework done, Mexico will now think more calmly about its next test against Venezuela. The winner of this match could ensure their place in the quarterfinals.
