Mexico shook off some of the scrutiny that has come there way ahead and at Copa America 2024 with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Jamaica at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, tonight (June 22). The only goal of the game came through an unlikely source when left-back Gerardo Arteaga struck with a superb effort.
El Tri were given trouble during their encounter with the Reggae Boyz and were a VAR call away from going a goal down moments into the first half. Michail Antonio was ruled offside having headed home what looked to be the opening goal. It’s a fine win for Mexico which sees them move joint top of Group B with Venezuela who beat Ecuador earlier.
Mexico vs Jamaica Highlights – COPA AMERICA 2024 GROUP B
4′ – CLOSE: Mexico nearly find the breakthrough amid a dominant start for El Tri. Erick Chavez pounces on a poor clearance and nearly finds the net but for an impressive stop from Jamaica goalkeeper Jahmali Waite.
20′ – CLOSE: Jamaica nearly scores against the run of play when Michail Antonio breaks free of an onslaught from Mexico defenders. He wins a foul, which Fulham midfielder Bobby Decordova-Reid delivers and finds Shamar Nicholson. The Clermont striker’s header just sails agonizingly wide of the post.
30′ – INJURY: Mexico captain Edson Alvarez appears to have sustained a serious hamstring injury after Demarai Gray unintentionally clips him. The West Ham United star can’t continue, and he goes off in floods of tears to be replaced by Luis Romo.
37′ – SAVE: The Reggae Boyz look for the opener, and Shamar Nicholson tries his luck at goal, but his effort is met by Julio Gonzalez’s punch. Decordova-Reid tries to make the most of the follow-up, but his effort is blocked.
45′ – CLOSE: Mexico nearly take the lead on the stroke of halftime when Luis Romo’s fierce effort flies just wide of the post. It was a good attempt from the first half substitute.
46′ – CLOSE: Jamaica come out all guns blazing and go close when Kasey Palmer throws himself at the ball and Julio Gonzalez doesn’t push the ball to safety. Johan Vazquez is on hand to clear for Mexico who were fortunate not to be behind.
50′ – GOAL: The Jamaicans finally take a deserved lead and it’s a slick move that ends with Michail Antonio heading home. An excellent cross from an unbalanced Dexter Lembikisa on the byline is powered home by the West Ham United frontman.
51′ – NO GOAL: Heimir Hallgrímsson’s troops are in party mode but their festivities are brought to an abrupt end when VAR arrives on the scene. Referee Ismail Elfath announces that the goal has been ruled out as Antonio was in an offside position.
57′ – SAVE: It’s Mexico’s turn to try and get the opener and they go agonizingly close through Luis Chavez but for a magnificent save by Jahmali Waite. He had to adjust due to a deflection but managed to superbly dive and tip the ball away.
69′ – GOAL: El Tri had been threatening and they make the breakthrough when Waite fails to fully clear his lines and Gerardo Arteaga pounces with a sweet strike that gives the Jamaican shot-stopper no chance. The left-back rippled the net with his effort which was his first goal on international duty in two years.
90′ – SAVE: Julio Gonzalez produces a fine stop to keep Dexter Lembikisa at bay and that pushes Jaime Lozano’s men towards the final whistle and a vital three points.
Player of the Match: Luis Romo (Mexico)
Luis Romo, 29, was named Man of the Match for a dominant performance in the middle of the park. He came on as Edson Alvarez’s replacement and was tidy for El Tri. He controlled proceedings and set Gerardo Arteaga up with a neat assist. He may have given Jaime Lozano food for thought regarding a starting role.
Key Moment:
Michail Antonio’s disallowed goal changed the tide of the game as Jamaica were on top until that point. The shift in momentum led to Mexico’s winner.
Key Stats:
Jamaica’s long wait to defeat Mexico continues as it’s been six years since the Reggae Boyz have prevailed.
Gerardo Arteaga scored just his second international goal since debuting in September 2018.
Jamaica are still yet to score at a CONMEBOL Copa America tournament.
Conclusion
It’s difficult to judge Mexico off the basis of tonight’s game but they’ll be happy to have quietened some moans and groans regarding their prospects at Copa America 2024. It was by no means an impressive victory and Jamaica were actually lively and unfortunate not to have taken the lead through Michail Antonio. Group B is one of the hardest to call with Venezuela’s win against Ecuador throwing the group wide open.
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