Saturday 9 July 2011

AmeriCup 2011: Day 7

A depleted Mexico side continue to confound their critics as they held Argentina to a shock nil-nil draw in the evening match at the Estadio Centenario.

Alberto Nunez, always a threat for the Argentines, was kept quiet by a resolute Mexican defense lead by Antonio Vallejos.

Vallejos - who was part of the Mexican defence that let in seven goals against England in the World Cup last year - was arguably the Man of the Match.

The Leones de Monterrey defender was given the task of man-marking playmaker Nunez, and Vallejos stuck to the Barcelona Bullfighters forward like glue and won tackles fairly.

This result leaves both teams with four points, but quarter-finals are still no guarantee.

Because Venezuela beat Jamaica 3-1 earlier, earning three points, after their opening defeat to Mexico, whereas Jamaica, having lost their first game against Argentina, are no longer in contention.

Goals from Hector Montero, Marcos Smith and Johnny Ferrera were sufficient; Tino Henderson scored Jamaica's goal.

Venezuela now must beat Argentina, which has rarely happened; however with Argentina's poor performances over the first two games, one could fancy the Maroons' chances. Mexico, on the other hand, face Jamaica, knowing that a win will see them through to the last eight.