Mexico

Mexico Back on Track With Qualifying Win Over Trinidad

Mexico picked up three valuable points in a 2-1 win over Trinidad & Tobago that, although not dominant, helped Mexico take over the fourth spot in the Hexagonal table.

Jun 11, 2009 12:55:49 AM

More On : Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago

Mexico had a dominating performance against Trinidad & Tobago to earn their sixth point in the Hexagonal round. The match was dominated by Mexico, whose 2-1 result did not justify all the opportunities by El Tri. Although the outcome for Mexico was good all of the missed chances will be something they will have to take a close look at. With this win Mexico gets back on track and will now hope to get another positive result at home on Aug. 12 against the U.S.

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FIRST HALF

Mexico came out doing what Aguirre wanted them to do which was to “attack.” After only one minute of play Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Nery Castillo, and Guillermo Franco all linked up for the first goal. Franco had a one on one against Trinidad keeper Clayton Ince, who just chipped it over Ince to give Mexico the lead.

Mexico had complete control of the game and in the third minute Andres Guardado had a golden chance. His stride was stopped by the 36-year-old Ince who kept his team in the game. The pressure of El Azteca made itself present as Trinidad was unable to generate anything.

Mexico imposed their will against Trinidad who found it very difficult to drive the ball past the midway line. In the eighth minute Guillermo Franco could have had his second of the night but again Ince barely keeps it out with his left foot.

El Tri was clearly dominant through the 25th minute. In the 18th minute Blanco saw his shot stopped by Ince. The Mexicans were getting there but they either took one touch too much or their finish wasn’t good enough. The game was dying down especially after the exit of Nery Castillo. Miguel Sabah had to enter in the 33rd minute after Castillo injured his left thigh.

Trinidad had their first crack at goal thanks to an error from the Mexican backline. After sloppy passes in the back, Carlos Edwards took advantage stole the ball and had a crack at it. Oscar Perez was well positioned though and secured the ball well.

The last clear chance of the half from Mexico came courtesy of Blanco. Franco drove the ball down the left flank and then crossed the ball which found Blanco’s head. Blanco had a point blank shot but he could not connect correctly and Ince was able to get it once again.

Just minutes away from the half Trinidad struck. Again Mexico committed an error in the back where Hayden Tinto took advantage and shot the ball past Perez who could do nothing but watch. The game was tied at one a piece as the first half drew to a close.

SECOND HALF

The second half started and Javier Aguirre must have had some good words with his players because a little after the 46th minute, Mexico made it 2-0. Oscar Rojas redeemed himself from his poor play in Mexico’s last game with a ¡Golazo! Rojas blasted a shot from outside the box which went to Ince’s top left corner and where he could do nothing. Mexico led 2-1.

Mexico again showed great potential but could not get the last touch needed to convert.

In the 50th minute Carlos Esquivel left the game and Alberto Medina entered. The more defensive Esquivel left as Aguirre was looking for more goals. The change was evident because the Trinis were able to get past the midfield with greater ease. In the 60th minute Chris Birchall mustered up the courage to try from long distance but his shot went into the stands.

Mexico had another key chance when Blanco drove the ball down the right side. Blanco steadied himself and chipped the ball to the far post of the goal were Miguel Sabah met it but could not make it. In the 63rd Sabah again missed an opportunity after Medina crossed it in to him.

Trinidad slowly started to lose all hopes. Andres Guardado had the liberty to shoot from long distance but his shot went wide. Then, Blanco broke loose down the right flank but he had nothing left in the tank as the Trinidad defenders were able to come back and disturb his shot.

Franco left the game in the 76th minute and Giovani Dos Santos entered the game with a great ovation. Miguel Sabah had yet another great chance but once again was unable to leave his mark. Three minutes after coming in Dos Santos decided to take a shot himself. His shot was well place but Ince again spoiled things for the Mexicans.

Alberto Medina had the last two clear chances for Mexico but again like a broken record they could not score. The last minute saw Trinidad throw everything up top. They pressured at the end but Mexico did well to fend them off. Trinidad’s last efforts came in vain as the referee ended the game. Mexico won 2-1.

Mexico: Oscar Perez; Ricardo Osorio, Carlos Salcido, Francisco Javier Rodriguez, Oscar Rojas; Carlos Esquivel (Alberto Medina, 52), Israel Castro, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Andres Guardado; Guillermo Franco (Giovani Dos Santos, 77), Nery Castillo (Miguel Sabah, 35).

Trinidad: Clayton Ince; Bark Abu, Marvin Andrews, Makan Hislop, Chris Birchall; Hayden Tinto, Keon Daniel (Kerry Baptiste, 79), Kenwyne Jones (Devon Jorsling, 51), Trent Noel (Silvio Spann, 71); Dwight Yorke, Carlos Edwards.

Goals
Mexico - Franco 1
Trinidad - Tinto 45
Rojas - 48

Sylvestre Adame, Goal.com

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