Mexico was able to earn their second win in the Copa America Centenario, beating Jamaica 2-0 in a rematch of last year's Gold Cup final in which Mexico won by the score of 3-1. With the win, Mexico extends their unbeaten run to 21 games and their winning streak to 11 games including nine in wins in a row under Mexican coach Juan Carlos Osorio.
Even in a match where Mexico were well below their best, thanks to a goal from Javier Hernandez, who now sits only one goal from tying Jared Borgetti on the top of Mexico’s all-time goalscoring list, and another from Oribe Peralta in the second half Mexico were able to lock up a spot in the knockout round of the Copa America.
While Mexico did score twice, El Tri wasn’t at the same level they found themselves on Sunday in their win against Uruguay. Osorio made four changes from Sunday as it is his style to rotate players and adjust the team as he sees fit depending on who they play.
Player Ratings (1-10, with 10 being the best)
GK: Guillermo Ochoa, 7.5 - After not starting in the first game, Ochoa was given the start against Jamaica and he repaid Osorio with a strong showing. He came up with a few saves when called for, including one from close range and looked confident in his decision making. He now gives Osorio something to think about going forward in the tournament to whom he will choose for the rest of the tournament.
DF: Nestor Araujo, 5.5 - After a great game against Uruguay, the Santos Laguna player could not repeat the performance with a lackluster game today. The young Mexican defender lacked the confidence in his decision making and in his clearances that you’d hope to see. Still, Araujo showed his athleticism against a very physical Jamaican team.
DF: Yasser Corona, 5 - Corona struggled in the first half to lead the three-man Mexican defense as the central defender. He was a step behind a few times and allowed the Jamaican attackers to get behind him. To his credit, he did come up with a big save with his body when there was a scramble in the box and looked decent in the attack in the second half. He was lucky not to get a PK called on him in the second half, though. He didn’t have the type of performance that will give El Tri fans confidence in him going forward.
DF: Hector Moreno, 5 - Along with his other defenders Moreno struggled. He gave up an easy ball that led to one of Jamaica’s best chances in the game. He looked good when he joined the attack on the left side of the field, but you expect Mexico’s best defender to play better in his next few outings.
MF: Rafael Marquez, 6 - Like his backline, the Mexican captain was not at the same level as he was on Sunday. He allowed his mark in the midfield to get behind him in the first half which led to a good chance for Jamaica but when he had the ball at his feet he did a good job of leading the Mexican attack. The 37-year-old has now played a full 90 twice for Mexico in five days and that could have also played a part in his sloppy play. Still, with the ball at his feet he’s still very dangerous with the pass and the leader on the field.
MF: Miguel Layun, 6.5 - Not a great performance but a good one for Layun as he stepped up into the spot left by the suspended Andres Guardado. He started slow like a lot of his teammates but grew into the game. In the second half, he found himself in a right back spot and looked more comfortable there.
MF: Jesus Duenas, 5.5 - Duenas isn’t a flashy player but is asked to do the little things and be a scrappy fighter in the middle. Unfortunately, he was a bit lost today for Mexico as he didn’t add too much in the attack, and didn’t do enough to stop Jamaica on the counter. His use for Mexico might be better served to come off the bench to help plug up holes in a game.
MF: Hector Herrera, 6.5 - Herrera struggled a bit to get going into the game and never looked like he hit his top gear. Maybe it was because he was missing Guardado, his midfield partner for the better part of three years. As the game kept going he was more effective, but still a slightly off night for the Porto man.
FW: Jesus Corona, 7 - Maybe the only player who looked better than he did on Sunday, Corona was aggressive and confidence in his 60 mins on the field. He delivered the assist to Chicharito on the cross and was one of the few bright spots for Mexico. As the tournament goes look for him to continue to grow and build.
FW: Javier Hernandez, 8 - Chicharito delivered the game-winning goal with a great header in the 18th minute at a time in the game where Mexico was struggling to get anything going. The Leverkusen forward is now only one behind Bogetti for Mexico’s top goal scorer and two from having the spot all on his own.
FW: Raul Jimenez, 7.5 - Mexico’s most active player in the game, he was a handful for the Jamaican defense with his movement and athleticism. He got himself in great positions all game long to offer a great pass for a teammate or a goalscoring chance for himself.
Photo:
Harry How- Getty Images
Subs:
FW: Hirving Lozano, 7 - The shifty 20-year-old was a lighting bolt when he came in at the 61st minute. Whenever he received the ball he looked up to attack the defense and made life tough for Jamaica with his energy and speed.
MF: Jesus Molina, 6.5 - When Molina came in the match in the 72nd minute Jamaica was starting to have the run of play. He quickly put a stop to it and added a calm to the match from the midfield position. He wasn’t seen much but his job isn’t to be flashy. Some well-timed fouls stopped the Jamaican counters and did his job well.
FW: Oribe Peralta, 6.5 - Oribe Peralta made his way into the game in the 78th minute and put his stamp on it with the second goal in the match and put the game out of reach for Jamaica. He also served up a great pass to Lozano later in his short time on the field. He showed that Mexico will have attacking options off the bench which could pay dividends later in the tournament.