Mexico did everything right in the first half of Thursday’s 2022 World Cup qualifier against Jamaica — or at least, they appeared to. They had a significant amount of possession, more shots, and won the ball back quickly from the Reggae Boyz. They even had more players on the pitch as, right before the half-time whistle, Jamaica’s Damion Lowe picked up a red card. All that was missing was a goal, and yet it wasn’t El Tri who ended up scoring first.
A poor defensive clearance from a corner in the 50th minute set Jamaica up perfectly for an unexpected lead as Preston North End’s Daniel Johnson pounced on the ball in the 18-yard box and sneaked it past Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa into the net.
Arms raised in the air, Jamaica’s interim manager Paul Hall celebrated the goal that had his side defying the odds against the CONCACAF giants. Nearby, Mexico manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino nervously opened a bottle of water and took a sip, likely wondering if he would become the first coach to lead Mexico to three consecutive defeats in World Cup qualifying matches.
Already under pressure after losing to the United States and Canada last November, Martino knew he couldn’t risk another defeat and threw his players even higher up the pitch to try and grab an equaliser. Midfielder Hector Herrera, who looked like an NFL quarterback with his long range of passing, began to move the ball more vertically in the hopes of salvaging something.
Mexico started to play like they had in the first half again — with possession and with plenty of touches in the final third — but they also struggled when it came to the decisive final pass or shot. Once again, without the injured Raul Jimenez, backup striker Rogelio Funes Mori didn’t do much to win over those who have criticised his lack of international goals; Uriel Antuna, lively but imprecise on the right wing, was sporadic; on the left wing, Alexis Vega was too quiet before ramping up his efforts late on.
– Futbol Americas on…
Source : espn
