The game could be a bit of a warming up for El Tri.
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It’s been nearly two years ago now since the exuberant Herrera played the role of savior.
Mexico in the Copa America drawed with Bolivia. Mexico has won this event more than any other country, six times, and they had a huge home-field advantage at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Mexico will be big favorites for this one, but they have been in poor form recently and will need to snap out of their funk if they are to go all the way in the Gold Cup as their fans expect. Outside of winning the Gold Cup and being the Concacaf Champion, the victor of the 2015 Gold Cup will play the victor of the 2013 Gold Cup (USA) for a berth in the Confederations Cup in Russian Federation 2017. Vela crossed the ball to Gio Dos Santos who put the ball into the net inside the near corner. On July 1, Chicharito collided with Honduran defender Brayan Beckeles and suffered a broken clavicle, effectively ending his chances of competing this summer. Oribe Peralta was the hero, banging a hat trick during the 6-goal rout.
“This tournament’s very even”, Herrera said, according to the Daily Mail. Mexico have Carlos Vela for this tournament, but they won’t have Javier Hernandez or Hector Moreno due to injuries. Moreno has been pegged for a move to a higher-profile club after an impressive season for Espanyol in La Liga, but Mexico will be without his services for the time being as he came off at half-time in Mexico’s recent 2-2 friendly draw with Costa Rica.
Meanwhile, Mexico showed their prowess and potential for the tournament.
Group C’s other game saw Trinidad and Tobago beat Guatemala 3-1. Herrera still can’t seem to nail down a starting lineup despite a plethora of talent at his disposal. The Espanyol defender, who also broke his leg against the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup (his latest setback came a year to the day after that incident), is a Herrera favourite, and the 27-year-old’s absence is likely the primary reason behind the manager’s experimentation with a four-man defence.
Things got worse for Cuba in the 23rd minute when Mexico doubled their lead. He’s made a name for himself in La Liga as a tricky forward with an eye for the spectacular; look for him to net at least one of his trademark chipped goal in this tournament.
Having a traditional striker like Peralta and Vela is more than enough for Mexico.
In addition the Gold Cup is the de facto first stage of qualifying for 2016 Copa América Centenario.
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He’ll be supported by Giovani Dos Santos and Andres Guardado; Dos Santos more directly and Guardado through his swashbuckling runs down the left flank. “That’s why it was so important to play like that today, keep that intensity… try to score as many goals as we can”.
