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INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Nothing compares TV series The highest point and the most recent lowest point Mexico national team America’s Cup.
Before the tournament began, there was widespread skepticism about the script written by head coach Jaime “Jimmy” Lozano, who is sometimes aptly referred to as “actor“Since his family is in the entertainment industry, he is looking to redesign his project by 2026. World CupLozano revealed that there are many familiar but aging stars in Mexican football, such as Hirvin “Chucky” Lozano (Not related to Jaime) Guillermo Ochoa and Raul Jimenez No longer needed.
In order to better restore the team’s condition, the Mexican coach used younger faces, and this move was effective at first. Last Saturday, in Mexico’s tournament opener, Mexico faced Jamaicaoptimism is high after a narrow win, but it is well deserved 1-0 Victory. Perfect symbol of Gerardo Arteaga — a bench player who was promoted to a starter in Lozano’s rebuild — finding success through a chance with a new roster seemed like a viable and exciting path.
But as TV soap operaunexpected twists and turns follow.
Mexico’s captain and arguably the protagonist in the Jamaican game Edson Alvarez A hamstring injury forced an early substitution. Then, before the midweek game against Newcastle on Tuesday night. Venezuelaconfirmed Alvarez to miss remainder of Copa America.
In keeping with the general mood sparked by the Mexican drama, the national team abandoned its standard press conference procedure and issued A touching video from Alvarez himself on Tuesday His absence was confirmed.
“Unfortunately, my Copa America journey is over,” the Mexico captain said the night before the match against Venezuela.
We can’t blame Alvarez and the national team for recording the video, and indeed, their solidarity was shared in social media posts Solidarity That being said, it speaks volumes about the importance of the players’ decision to release the video – the goalkeeper did not do so. Luis MalagonInjuries – It’s hard to maintain unity on the field when there’s a clear vacancy at the core of the team.
Without their captain, Mexico’s chances of winning were worrying. Although the pre-match celebrations took place on a scenic sunny day with a Hollywood backdrop in the distance, the atmosphere became tense once the opening whistle blew.
The numbers at least suggest Mexico did some things right in what is shaping up to be a difficult event.
Mexico had more dangerous chances (xG 2.52 compared to Venezuela’s 1.19), had more possession (61% to 39%), and made slightly more tackles (50 to 45). In theory, Lozano did everything he could to create chances for Mexico, but both his and his team’s limitations were exposed.
Mexico is in desperate need of a rising star to start, so it was hard to identify a player who really stepped up for Mexico against Venezuela. Luis Chavez Should be praised as a central defender John Vasquez And the new captain Cesar Montes On the NFL field, they play the role of quarterback with long passes, but people still have higher expectations for these players and others who are more like extras in the live show.
To make matters worse, Montes was substituted off at halftime due to injury, marking the second consecutive game that the Mexican captain was substituted off due to injury.
“I don’t know yet,” Lozano said. Almeria The player’s health condition after the game. “At halftime they told us that it would be difficult for him to play in the second half… Today we don’t know if he will be able to play in the next game.”
As for Lozano, one can’t help but notice that Venezuela’s Fernando Batista made the right adjustments and tactical changes in the second half to help his team win the game. Solomon Rondon In the 57th minute.
“He made some adjustments at halftime and it worked,” Lozano said of Batista. “You have to give him credit for making those adjustments late in the game.”
Lozano looked at his bench, perhaps realizing that without the inclusion of experienced veterans such as Chucky and Jimenez, his chances of winning would be reduced.
South Americans grow with confidence, while El Tri The bulky players failed to take advantage of numerous chances in the final moments. Even though they were awarded a penalty in the 87th minute, giving Mexico another chance to salvage a point, the midfielder Oberin Pineda When the final whistle sounded, the score was 1-0. The opponent had the advantage but failed to change the score.
Instead of a standing ovation, boos and a rain of beer came from the stands of the SoFi Stadium, unhappy with Mexico’s tragic second act in the Copa Sudamericana group stage.
For Lozano’s team, this was the first time Mexico lost to Venezuela in an official match. el tri Mexico has lost four straight non-friendly games to CONMEBOL opponents. Mexico could beat CONCACAF opponents like Jamaica last week, but beating CONMEBOL? That’s clearly another story, and perhaps a bad omen for their final group game against Jamaica. Ecuador on Sunday.
To advance to the knockout rounds, Lozano and his players need to beat Ecuador to ensure a place in the quarter-finals. However, to his credit, the coach also lost the group stage last summer before winning the Gold Cuphe did not give up on his project.
“We have 90 minutes left, nobody is leaving this boat, we are going to make it,” Lozano said. “We are going to make it, I am sure of it.”
Lozano’s script is not yet finished.
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