Mexico took another step closer in their quest to return to the Olympic Games by facing Island country Haiti in the second match for both teams in Group B. After their dominating performance against Costa Rica, Mexico needed a win to inch closer to qualifying for the semifinals. Haiti for their part needed a win or at least a draw to give them any hope after losing their first match to Honduras.
Given the quick turn around with only one day rest between matches, manager Raul Gutierrez decided to do some player rotation and even start a few players in different places. While Manuel Lajud Jojalil started again in goal, his backline saw two changes as Erick Aguirre and Hedgardo Marin Arroyo stepped in alongside Jordan Silva and Rodolfo Pizarro.
In the middle, Victor Gomez started again and was joined by Josecarlos Van Rankin, who moved into the midfield after starting on the backline the game before. Atlas duo Daniel Alvarez and Arturo Gonzalez joined them in the center of the park. Marco Bueno started again for the second match, and was joined by Luis Loroña this time around.
From the kickoff, Mexico had their foot on the petal and took the game to Haiti. However, El Tri lacked a finishing touch as neither Loroña nor Bueno could give Mexico the lead. Credit also must be given to Haiti keeper Luis Odelus, who made several great saves to keep Haiti in with a chance. As Mexico pressed, Haiti sat back and looked to counter and try and catch Mexico off guard.
As Mexico looked to get a winner, Pachuca duo Hirving Lopez and Erick Gutierrez would come on and give the Aztecs a spark and a new look. In the 72nd minute, it was Gutierrez who was tripped up in the box as he tried to make a move, leading to a penalty kick. Stepping up was another second half substitute, Raul Lopez, who was able to smash the ball into the back of net and give Mexico all three points and lock up a spot in the semifinals.
After two group games Mexico has looked every bit of the team El Tri fans were hoping they would be. Gutierrez has them playing an attack minded game and have been very smart in not getting caught out of position and have not been vulnerable on the counter, which is something that has hurt the senior Tri team in recent memory. Their ability to create chances in different forms is also nice to see as they’ve been able to attack down the flanks and the middle. Even though a lack of finishing in this game hurt them a bit, it could serve more as a reminder that they can improve than something to worry about going forward.
In the earlier Group B match, Honduras was able to knock off Central American rivals Costa Rica 2-0. An Antony Lozano goal late in the first half, and a second by Alberth Elis before the final whistle was enough for Honduras to clinch a spot in the semifinals and eliminate Costa Rica as well.
Mexico and Honduras will face each other on October 7th in the final match in group B. With the winner taking the first spot, while Haiti and Costa Rica battle out for pride.