Mexico kicked off Copa America 2024 with a 1-0 win against Jamaica, thanks to Gerardo Arteaga’s powerful second-half strike. It was a back-and-forth clash at NRG Stadium in Houston, and the Jamaicans could have gotten all three points.
After today’s proceedings, Group B is perfectly poised, with Venezuela beating Ecuador in the other group game. This match was close to call as both nations went hammer and tong to try and prevail. A first-half substitute was a standout performer, while a defender grabbed all the headlines.
Mexico National Football Team Player Ratings vs Jamaica
GOALKEEPER
Julio Gonzalez – 7
The UNAM shot-stopper was faultless when called upon and was forced into three saves, but nothing too testing as Jamaica’s forwards struggled to hit the target.
DEFENDERS
Jorge Sanchez – 7
The FC Porto right-back was constantly on the flank and used his pace to influence the game. He was persistent and always willing to fly into tackles, as seen by the five he made.
Cesar Montes – 7
The Almeria defender was a standout performer, assured at the back and calm on the ball. He made eight clearances and won all seven of his aerial duels.
Johan Vasquez – 6.5
Nothing too impressive from the Genoa defender, but he did what was required to keep Jamaica at bay.
Gerardo Arteaga – 7
The Monterrey left-back took his goal with aplomb and it capped off a fine showing both going forward and defensively.
MIDFIELDERS
Edson Alvarez – N/A
The Mexico captain lasted just 30 minutes before being forced off with a hamstring injury that looks a serious one.
Luis Chavez – 7.5
The Dynamo Moscow midfielder impressed in the middle of the park and was composed on and off the ball. He made two key passes and found his man with three of four long ball attempts.
Orbelin Pineda – 6.5
Perhaps Mexico’s most quiet performer on the night but wasn’t overly disappointing just couldn’t get himself involved. He did make three key passes and looked lively when El Tri were on the front foot.
ATTACKERS
Uriel Antuna – 6
He faded in and out of the game and lacked creativity on the wing, which would have benefitted his attacking partner, who was desperately after more service. Needs to improve.
Santiago Gimenez – 5.5
The Feyenoord forward was a bystander throughout at NRC Stadium and lacked any sort of threat although his fellow attackers didn’t help.
Julian Quinones – 6
Perhaps the best of a frustrating frontline for Mexico as he tried to make things happen for the eventual winners.
SUBSTITUTES
Luis Romo – 8.5 (Man of the Match)
He grabbed himself an assist after coming on for Edson Alvarez, and he was excellent in possession and when needed defensively. He helped Mexico deal with the absence of their skipper with an assured performance. The Monterrey man made five key passes and completed all three of his long-ball attempts. Tidy.
Carlos Rodriguez – 6
Erick Sanchez – 6
Roberto Alvarado – 6.5
Guillermo Martinez – 6
MANAGER:
Jaime Lozano – 6.5
Jamaica National Football Team Player Ratings vs Mexico
GOALKEEPER
Jahmali Waite – 7.5
A strong showing from the El Paso Locomotive FC shot-stopper, whose athleticism clawed away several of Mexico’s attempts. He made eight saves, and the Reggae Boyz are fortunate to have had White in goal.
DEFENDERS
Dexter Lembikisa – 7.5
A wonderful performance from the electric right wing-back who pushed further forward and created all sorts of problems. He was unfortunate not to have had an assist to his name when Michail Antonio was ruled offside.
D’Shon Bernard – 7
It was a neat display from the former Manchester United youngster, and he was energetic at the back for Jamaica. He made seven clearances and three tackles.
Joel Latibeaudiere – 6
The Coventry City man was the least comfortable of the three at the back, and it was telling when Mexico broke forward. He made seven clearances but struggled to dominate at the back.
Ethan Pinnock – 7
The Brentford defender showed experience and know-how when dealing with Mexican’s slick playmakers. He was resolute, making two tackles and five clearances. He was born in London, and England have been crying out for a left-footed center-back at Euro 2024.
Greg Leigh – 6.5
He was nowhere near as impressive as the other wingback for Jamaica, but he fared reasonably well. He was quite wasteful but also willing to fly into tackles.
MIDFIELDERS
Bobby Decordova-Reid – 6.5
The Fulham midfielder didn’t control the tempo, which was vital for the Reggae Boyz. He also struggled to produce his usual pacey work rate that has impressed at Craven Cottage.
Kasey Palmer – 6.5
Similarly, as uninspiring as his midfield partner but was at least slightly more involved in proceedings when going forward. He won four of 11 ground duels and could be more patient in possession.
ATTACKERS
Shamar Nicholson – 7
A livewire and a talent who could cause defenders problems at Copa America this summer. He displayed good aerial ability and a desire to cause havoc around the box. He made three key passes but couldn’t open up the Mexican defense.
Michail Antonio – 6.5
The West Ham forward had the ball in the net with a great header, but it was in vain. That was the best of his night as he was struggling to get involved up until that point.
Demarai Gray – 6.5
The Al-Ettifaq winger struggled to impress and had little to no impact on the game. His usual pace was lacking, and he looked out of ideas from the early stages.
SUBSTITUTES
Michael Hector – 6.5
Kaheim Dixon – 7
Renaldo Cephas – 6
Damion Lowe – 6.5
MANAGER:
Heimir Hallgrímsson – 6.5