Americas » North America » Gold Cup

Mexico Open Gold Cup With Unconvincing Win Over Nicaragua

El Tri scored goals on either side of half-time in a match that left much to be desired...

Jul 6, 2009 4:11:02 AM

Luis Miguel Noriega - Miguel Sabah - Mexico-Nicaragua (Mexsport)

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Luis Miguel Noriega - Miguel Sabah - Mexico-Nicaragua (Mexsport)

Teams

Mexico 2-0 Nicaragua
Gold Cup Standings, Fixtures, Results
Gold Cup News

A lacklustre Mexican national team defeated newcomers Nicaragua 2-0 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Sunday to start the Gold Cup on the right foot.

The Tricolor, who were expected to steamroll through a modest Nicaraguan side, seemed poised to open the scoring early on but instead lost upstart Carlos Vela to injury.

The Arsenal striker had to be subbed out of the match in the 10th minute after an awkward fall left him in no condition to continue. Alberto 'Venado' Medina came in for Vela and would prove to be a key player in Mexico’s victory. The Chivas striker, however, would have to wait over 30 minutes before making his mark.

It was not until the 45th minute that Medina filtered a through-ball to Israel 'Jagger' Martinez, who drew a foul from David Solorzano to win a penalty kick. Luis Miguel Noriega took charge of the spot kick and gave Mexico a much needed lead just as they seemed poise for another goalless game.

The second-half proved to be much of the same as a feisty Nicaraguan team fought tooth and nail for every ball and complicated Mexico’s tactical set up, which did not seem to yield any favorable results. Despite the Central Americans' efforts, they rarely threatened Mexico’s goal; occasionally they sent long-range shots which, for the most part, were easy for goalkeeper Guillermo 'Memo' Ochoa to contain.

Mexico, on the other hand, while having control of the ball, did not appear to have a clear idea of how to break down the Nicaraguans’ defensive wall.

Finally, in the 85th minute, Medina reappeared, this time sending a cross from the right wing into the path of Giovani Dos Santos. The cross, however, was too high and sailed over Dos Santos' head and straight into the onrushing Pablo Barrera, who slotted the ball in to seal Mexico’s win.

Joel Aceves, Goal.com

Visit Goal.com for more coverage of the Mexican National Team.

Want more from Goal.com delivered right to your door? Introducing "Goal.com Magazine." Subscribe now!

Thank you for your comment!

Please enter your name

Please enter your location

Please share your comment!