PASADENA, California – All night long, Jamaica generated good scoring chances but couldn’t capitalise on any of them.Javier Hernandez and Oribe Peralta were on target as Mexico beat Jamaica 2-0 to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals of the Copa America Centenario on Thursday at the Rose Bowl.
By virtue of Venezuela’s upset of Uruguay earlier in the day, both Mexico and Venezuela are sitting on six points having won their first two Group C matches. That means Monday’s match will determine the winner to face the second-place team from Group D.
Playing without captain Andres Guardado, who was sent off during a win over Uruguay on Monday, Mexico shuffled their 4-3-3 with Rafa Marquez dropping into central defence and Miguel Layun pushing up from fullback to wing midfielder.
The Mexicans’ technical prowess was on display early and often, and in the 18th minute it led to a goal. Jesus Corona made a run down the left wing and sent a nice cross into the box, where Hernandez snuck in between the central defenders, including Leicester City captain Wes Morgan, and snapped a header into the lower-right corner of the net.
The goal brought Hernandez one shy of Jared Borgetti’s all-time Mexico record of 46 international goals.
Over 83 000 fans packed into the Rose Bowl, and most of them were wearing Mexico’s three colours. Manager Juan Carlos Osorio praised the support and said it made a big difference for his side.
“I have said in the past … we thought that we understood how much passion the national team generates in the Mexican population,” he said.
“But, in the last three games, I have to admit that I had no clue. Or better yet, I misunderstood because what we heard today – the noise, the support was absolutely amazing.”
Despite falling behind early, Jamaica used their speed and strength to routinely open up the Mexican defence. The best chance came in the 35th minute when Garath McCleary turned a low cross on net only to be blocked by Mexican defender Yasser Corona.
Jamaican striker Clayton Donaldson seemed to be in behind El Tri’s backline all evening, but nothing came of it. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made some fine saves as well, including a point-blank denial of Michael Hector late in the first half.
The second half featured a bit of controversy as Donaldson appeared to be fouled in the box, but the referee waved to play on.
No matter what happens against Venezuela, Mexico will likely have to face either Argentina or Chile in the quarterfinals. Chile lost to Argentina in Group D on Monday, but the defending Copa America champions are still considered favourites to reach the knockout stages.The way El Tri are playing, it shouldn’t matter.
“I think Mexico have all the possibilities to compete one-on-one with anyone,” Osorio said.