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Mexico show improvement
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With manager Miguel Herrera already having declared that their main focus was the Gold Cup tournament, Mexico carried a weakened team to Chile with some of their star attractions such as Javier Hernandez and Giovani dos Santos left out. The Mexicans weren’t expected to put up a challenge in this competition and their opening game against Bolivia further accentuated that.
Mexico were poor in that game, completely lifeless and were rightfully denied a win when they were held 0-0 by Bolivia. In this game against Chile though, the green army were a completely different proposition. They had sorted their game out and looked reinvigorated.
They were much quicker and more lethal in attack and exuded great composure. Although there were certain frailties in their defence which was exposed by Chile, Mexico were, nevertheless, a much-improved side who put up a great fight and added to the entertainment value of the game.
They are still winless in the competition, but the result of this game was encouraging and it may provide them an impetus in their attempt to move to the knock-out rounds when they play Ecuador in the final group game on Friday.
Chile still have work to do
Chile may have shown some quality in attack and the desire to win, but they still have some work to do before they can think of putting their hands on the trophy.
Although they managed to pump in 3 goals, the figure could have easily touched 5 or even 6, had it not been for their profligacy. Shots went wide off the mark and strikers were found off-side while receiving great chances to score. Through balls were limp and easily intercepted whereas defenders looked listless while tracking runs.
Chile were just lucky to escape a defeat but surely won’t be when they’ll up against more clinical teams in Brazil or Argentina in the later stages of the competition. To prevent it, they have to refine their game and sharpen every facet.
All to play for in the final group game
A win in this game would have made Chile the first team to reach the last 8 but the draw meant that the group is very much alive and all the 4 teams are still in contention for a place in the quarter-finals.
The hosts entertain Bolivia, who are level on points but separated only by goal difference, on Friday. While a draw would be enough to propel them to the next round, it may spell doom for the Bolivians as they will be eliminated if Mexico beat Ecuador by a 3 goal margin.
Chile, however, will be looking to avoid a potential clash with Brazil and thereby will aim to finish at the top of the group. For either Mexico or Ecuador, anything but a victory will see them take a flight back home.
