The Mexican National Team got their second win of the 2019 Gold Cup group stage, beating Canada with a brace by Andres Guardado.
First Half
The game started with a fast pace as both teams struggled to retain ball possession. Mexico eventually gained ball control but seemed to lack the intention of playing offense in the first ten minutes of the match.
The Mexican XI had trouble surpassing Canada’s defense as the Maple Leaf back line did some solid work to stop them. Despite their good efforts, Mexico still found some spaces on offense as Raul Jimenez had some chances but failed to convert.
Mexico was once again stuck by injuries as Erick Gutierrez went down at the 32nd minute of play. Andres Guardado came on from the bench.
Roberto Alvarado found the back of the net off a rebound by Milan Borjan at the 40th minute. Mexico was up by a goal near halftime.
The Mexican squad led Canada at the half. 1-0
Second Half
The second half picked up right where it left off as Mexico retained its dominance on the pitch. They were the better team during the opening minutes of the second set of 45 and it showed with another goal.
Guardado fired a beauty into the net from outside the box in the 54th minute to put his team up by a pair.
Mexico seemed to relax from the second goal, as they allowed Canada to take control of the game.
Canada scored near the 75th-minute mark to cut the lead in half, as Lucas Cavallini scored easily after a mistake by Nestor Araujo.
It took almost no time for their opposition to get their lead back as Guardado find the back of the net once again.
Canada’s confidence was not affected by the score as they took control of the pace of play over the last 20 minutes. Despite promising chances, they were outnumbered by their rivals and were not able to score.
EL Tri won their second game of the group stage and took a hold of Group A.
Final Score: Mexico 3-1 Canada.
ICYMI: You can check out both Canada’s and Mexico’s previous Gold Cup games, too.