Mexico came away with a huge victory at the Phoenix stadium as a goal each from Rafa Marquez and Hector Herrera, coupled with an early own goal from Alvaro Perreira sealed a commanding 3-1 victory for El Tri in their group C opener.
In arguably the best match of the campaign thus far, Mexico started the game on the front foot, and quite unsurprisingly, took the lead within 5 minutes from kickoff when Perreira inadvertently headed Guardado’s cross into his own net.
Pressure mounted over Uruguay when Vecino was sent for an early bath after a second bookable offence, but skipper Diego Godin sparked a glimmer of hope for La Celeste when he headed home the equaliser 15 minutes from time, shortly after Guardado was sent off for Mexico.
Despite losing the numerical advantage, Mexico recovered from the setback in the most emphatic way when a 37-year-old Marquez and Herrera scored late goals to ensure a comprehensive win for Juan Osorio’s side, who also take the pole position of group C after the first round.
Let’s discuss the major issues spruced up from a thrilling affair in Arizona.
1) Copa America bursts into life
After 5 mediocre opening games, the Copa America Centenario well and truly sparked into life as Mexico and Uruguay fought tooth and nail at the University of Phoenix stadium, producing a spectacle of certain degree not seen in this tournament until now.
The match started at a break-neck speed and Mexico flew out of the gates when they found the opener inside 5 minutes. Uruguay were left shell-shocked, but more misery was to come as they were down to 10-men when Vecino was sent off at the stroke of half-time.
Regardless, Uruguay were the better side in the second stanza, and after Guardado was given the marching orders as well, captain Godin restored parity for the men in blue.
Los Charruas thought they were back in the game and snatched away a point, only for Marquez and Herrera to score late but in quick succession and turn the balance in Mexico’s favour again.
Goals, cards, twists, fights and post-match drama, this match was one heck of a Helluva ride!
2) The Jekyll and Hyde of Mexico
El Tri were the better side when both teams had the same number of players on the field, but appeared slightly shackled when they were a man up, showing both their good and bad sides.
For the opening 45 minutes, Mexico dominated the proceedings and went into the break with a goal and a man up. However, the second half seemed more tilted towards Uruguay, who appeared superior, but only until Mexico themselves lost a man.
Thereafter, The Tricolour wrestled back the control of the game and eventually emerged triumphant. This fluctuation in Mexico’s display was something strange and inexplicable.
3) Uruguay missed Luis Suarez
Barcelona ace Luis Suarez was ruled out of Uruguay’s opening game to Mexico with a hamstring injury that he sustained during the Copa del Rey final few days ago, and his absence was sorely felt by the Blues as they struggled to find the net.
Uruguay were on the back-foot for the initial few minutes of the match but slowly crawled their way back into it. Carlos Sanchez and Edinson Cavani came close to scoring but lacked the cutting edge that the Barcelona forward normally brings.
La Celeste huffed and puffed, and found the equaliser through their captain Diego Godin when Sanchez whipped in a superb cross into the box. Until then, Oscar Tabarez's side left a lot to be desired in the attack despite all the efforts.
4) Diego Godin packs a punch
From the blue half of the field, the Atletico Madrid centre-back was arguably the only shining light throughout the 90 minutes. Godin stepped up to the plate when the rest disappointed and also brought Uruguay back in the game with his crucial equaliser.
Not only was he impeccable in defence, blocking shots and intercepting crosses, but also tried to help in the attack by bursting forward. He also scored the equaliser for his side after heading home from close range, providing Uruguay with a glimmer of hope in the dying few minutes.
Although the team failed to build on his goal, the 30-year old was, nonetheless, very impressive.
5) Group C set for an intriguing finish
After the first round of results, the standings in group C make a very unusual reading. Favourites Uruguay are languishing at the bottom, with Mexico the run-away leaders. Minnows Jamaica are third with a slightly better goal-difference with Venezuela on second.
Although Mexico and Uruguay are touted to progress to the next round, the fight is actually for the first place in the group in order to avoid tournament favourites Argentina in the very next stage.
La Albiceleste, drawn in group D alongside holders Chile, Panama and Bolivia, are expected to stroll through as leaders, in which case, they take on the runners-up of group C in the quarter-finals. Both Mexico and Uruguay don’t seem capable enough to beat Argentina and are looking to avoid them until the finals.
Whilst El Tri will now try to hold on to their position atop, La Celeste have a massive task of usurping them, which won’t happen until the former lose at least once and Uruguay claim all 6 points from their remaining games.
Watch out for this group, it’s in for an intriguing finish.
