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Team Mexico: 3-1 win over Venezuela silences critics

By Jahir M. Martinez

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 05: Mexico's Rodolfo Pizarro (20) celebrates his goal with teammates during the international friendly between Mexico and Venezuela on June 5, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 05: Mexico's Rodolfo Pizarro (20) celebrates his goal with teammates during the international friendly between Mexico and Venezuela on June 5, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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El Tri proves it should still be considered a Gold Cup favorite by dismantling Venezuela.

Mexico emerged victorious from their first Gold Cup preparation match, defeating Venezuela 3-1, a win that will boost morale around El Tri as well as fans worried about the team’s depleted roster.

It was clear from the start  that Mexico was going to dominate and their overwhelming advantage in time of possession (58%) shows El Tri is heading in the right direction. The first 15 minutes of the game saw Mexico with the ball at their feet and an opening goal seemed imminent.

Against the run of play, Venezuela midfielder Jhon Murillo scored with a shot that left Mexico goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco helpless, watching as the ball zipped over his head and into the net at the back post.

Although down by one goal, the Mexico midfield, led by Charly Rodriguez who had a superb game, Erick Gutierrez and Edson Alvarez continued to probe and press forward. El Tri equalized in the 32nd minute when a cross ricocheted around inside Venezuela’s goalie box, and the speedy Roberto Alvarado got to the loose ball first. “El Piojo” turbo kicked the ball into the back of the net.

The scary part of the first half was a knee injury Edson Alvarez picked up right before the Alvarado’s goal. Although there is no official confirmation that he will miss the Gold Cup, the thought that he might miss out is sad. The 21-year-old midfielder was looking to showcase his talents while a few European teams vie for his signature.

Even worse, Alvarez is one of the players Team Mexico coach Gerardo Martino trusts most since taking over in January. It could be a big blow to El Tri’s Gold Cup chances if he has to be left off the roster. One thing I question is why Diego Reyes was used as a holding midfielder in place of Alvarez instead of Jonathan Dos Santos or Luis Montes, both of whom are better fits, in my opinion.

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Mexico came out in the second half just as they did at the start of the game, controlling the tempo and creating scoring chances. Rodolfo Pizarro tapped the ball into the back of the net with an assist from Jesús Gallardo in minute 54 to put El Tri in the lead. Gallardo was a demon on the left flank all game, while Pizarro was subbed out right after scoring the go-ahead goal.

Debutante Uriel Antuna, 21, did not take long to make an impression. He came onto the pitch in minute 67 and nine minutes later recorded his first assist with El Tri. His cross from the right flank found Andres Guardado (who earned his 154th cap when he came on in the second half) who drilled the ball low into the side of the goal to close out the scoring.

Overall, Mexico looked poised and certainly shut up a few critics who have been complaining about who’s not on the roster instead of who is. Martino is now 3-0-0 as coach of El Tri, with 10 goals scored and four goals allowed.

This result will restore Mexico as the favorite to win the Gold Cup. El Tri has one more friendly (in Arlington, Texas, against Ecuador) before they kick off the Gold Cup on June 15.

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