Mexico has done itself a disservice in view of the World Cup in Qatar. The team of national coach Gerardo Martino did not go further than a 0-0 draw in the qualifying match against Costa Rica. A big blemish on the loss of points was the failure of Edson Álvarez. The midfielder of Ajax seemed to injure his knee and was forced to switch halfway through the game. In the second half he took his place on the reserve bench with a packed knee. It remains to be seen how serious the injury is.
Where Álvarez started in the base, Érick Gutiérrez had to settle for a place on the bench. The PSV midfielder would also not make his appearance in the extremely disappointing World Cup qualifier. The best chances were for Mexico, which came close to scoring the opening goal after three minutes of play. Hirving Lozano got the ball from a free kick on a silver platter, but couldn’t finish with the head effectively. The effort of the former PSV player ended up to the right post.
OTRA BAJA
Edson Álvarez tuvo que salir de cambio por un fuerte choque.
Esperemos que pueda estar bien para el próximo partido.
?? AND VIVO: https://t.co/77MAQv1c0E pic.twitter.com/zscqIlHlGG
— DIARIO RECORD (@record_mexico) January 31, 2022
After fifteen minutes of play, Costa Rica also showed itself. Youstin Salas tried with a shot from the edge of the box, but saw his attempt hit the post. Mexico thought after half an hour of play to take the lead via Rogelio Funes Mori. The attacker hit, but was called back for offside. Also in the second act the game waved up and down. Jesús Corona and Alonso Martínez fired on the enemy goal, but did not see their effort promoted to goal.
Due to the division of points, Mexico fails to take over second place from the United States. Martino’s team now has 18 points from 10 qualifying matches. The next showdown awaits next Thursday, when Panama comes to visit in its own Estadio Azteca. In any case, Álvarez seems to have to let that game pass. Mexico will conclude the qualifying cycle at the end of March with games against the United States (March 24), Honduras (March 27) and El Salvador (March 30). The top three countries qualify directly for the World Cup.
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