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Vuoso shocked everyone with his late goal against Chile on Monday. The Argentine-born, naturalized Mexican put in a performance that showed hard work occasionally rumps talent. A match that showed El Tri have come far in the Copa America. In what could be their last chapter of their Copa America campaign, they face a beaten rival that has nothing to lose.
In their match against Ecuador this Friday, everything is on the line for El Tri. This is a game that Mexico must win and it’s overall a tournament that Ecuador will hope to forget quickly. Mexico and Ecuador face each other in the last round of the group stage. El Tri have shocked and surprised many in their two matches in Chile. Tying against Bolivia in their first match was a tough pill to swallow for Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera. It was a match that many expected Mexico to win, considering Bolivia had a poor run going into the tournament and their poor history while at the tournament. Mexico tried but failed to beat a resilient foe.
In a dull and uninspiring performance, Mexico tied their first match 0-0 against Bolivia. El Tri picked up 1 point when they could have picked up 2 more. This definitely a disappointing result that had many fans and pundits wondering about their second match. Their second match was against an Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal led host team. Chile was not Bolivia and were heavy favorites to win their match against Mexico but in their second match they once again surprised fans. This time it was a great surprise. Once again they tied but it proved to be a an amazing match for Mexico. They improved tremendously from their first match and managed to hold Chile 3-3, earning another point. They did a complete 180 flip from their first match and turned things around. Now they will hope to continue the momentum and confidence they have built having gone toe to toe against Chile and will hope to get a result against Ecuador.
Ecuador on the other hand has been a letdown of the greatest proportion. They lost in the opening match against Chile 2-0 and they lost against Bolivia 2-3 in their second match. With those two poor results, Ecuador is basically eliminated from the tournament. They have little to win from their match against Mexico, aside from getting three points and third place in their group (Mexico would end in 4th place if they lose against Ecuador). A result that won’t mean much considering its doubtful that they’ll be one of the best 3rd place teams of the tournament. (2 best 3rd place teams make it to the next round). Granted, Ecuador might still give it their all so that they can restore a bit of pride in their team. Its tough to say, regardless, Mexico will have to give it their all to get a result. Its a do or die situation for Mexico. If they fail to get the three points against Ecuador, they’ll be eliminated from the tournament. A result that would be labeled as a failure, and rightly so. They put in a great performance against Chile but they should have won against Bolivia. The Mexican Federation has made it Herrera’s priority to reach the next stages of the tournament and they will reach that goal if they beat Ecuador on Friday.
With two points to their name, and a win against Ecuador. Mexico will have a total of 5 points. Putting them in either 2nd place or keeping them in third. They’ll get second place if they win their match against Ecuador and if the Bolivia vs. Chile match doesn’t end in a draw. If that match ends in a draw and Mexico wins their match. They’ll for sure end up in 3rd place and will hope to be one of the best 3rd place teams. There chances of being that are high considering they have yet to lose a game in the tournament.
Mexico will depend on Raul Jimenez shining up front and Matias Vuoso continuing his form against Ecuador. Their partnership for Mexico in the match against Chile proved dividends for the team. Another key factor is if “Tecatito” Corona continues his dynamic performances on the wing, then Mexico has every reason to believe they can pull of a win against Ecuador. Corona will have to be a wall in goal, considering his defensive line has taken some hits.
The two Jesus Coronas from Mexico. Photo: @jesuscorona01 | Twitter
That is where the issue lies. Mexico has taken some hits in their defense, with Rafa Marquez suffering an injury against Bolivia and Adrian Aldrete suffering an injury against Chile. Players will have to step up. Hugo Ayala, Salcedo, or Gerardo Flores will have big shoes to fill.
Like I’ve mentioned already. Ecuador has struggled greatly this tournament. Their two losses have put their qualification for the knockout stages indoubt. They have to defeat Mexico to potentially get a best 3rd place spot. To do that will be difficult. They would have many outside factors influencing their qualification and their team hasn’t shown that its deserving a spot in the next round. Enner Valencia has been fighting for his team to qualify and Miller Bolanos has also been working hard for Ecuador but the team came into the tournament with a noticeable lack of confidence. This lack of confidence stems most likely from the long list of absentees from the team due to injuries.
Can Mexico pull off a win? Or will Ecuador get some redemption for a poor tournament? Dont miss the match, this Friday, June 19th, 5:00 p.m. ET or 3:00 p.m. MST.
