Fans of El Tri breathed a sigh of relief after Mexico survived a tough challenge from visiting Panama.(Photo by Mauricio Salas/Jam Media/Getty Images)
El Tri waits till late to frustrate Panama’s upset bid
Skipper Andrés Guardado and El Tri were at a loss through the first 45 minutes at home against Panama. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
A late Raúl Jiménez penalty kick allowed El Tri to collect all 3 points against Panama, calming nerves all across Mexico despite another lackluster performance from “Tata” Martino’s men.
The unconvincing 1-0 victory at Estadio Azteca stops the bleeding for now, El Tri gaining ground against its closest pursuer in the race to earn an invite to Qatar 2022.
Mexico sits third in the Concacaf table with 21 points (and a +6 goal differential) through 11 rounds (out of 14), trailing Canada (25 points) and behind Team USA (21 points) on goal differential (+9). Panama holds the fourth spot which would send The Canaleros to an inter-confederation playoff against the Oceania representative.
El Tri will have to protect its 4-point advantage over Panama during next month’s three-game FIFA break. Mexico hosts the U.S. on March 24, visits last-place Honduras on March 27 then finishes at home against El Salvador. Panama has a much tougher road. After its March 24 home game vs Honduras, the Central Americans visit second-place USA and closes out on the road against surprise group leader Canada.
El Tri sleepwalks through another first half
Panama held their own at the Coloso de Santa Úrsula – no longer is it the intimidating Fortress Azteca – creating the better scoring chances while benefiting from the sloppy, nervous performance from El Tri. The small home crowd doused their heroes with boos as they trudged to the locker room.
Mexico has not scored in the opening half of a qualifier since Round 6 on Oct. 13 at El Salvador (a Héctor Moreno header off a corner kick) and El Tri stayed true to recent form.
The second half provided fans with more to cheer about. El Tri was crisper with its passes, interplay improved but errors still abounded. An injury to “Chucky” Lozano just after the hour dampened spirits a bit, but coach Martino (finally) made some moves and they paid off.
Subs Diego Lainez, “Tecatito” Corona and Julián Araujo provided some spark and energy as El Tri pressed forward. In minute 77, the wispy Lainez collected a cross on the back side, spun into trouble, then recovered, before hitting the deck after a swiping challenge from Panam sub Abdiel Ayarza.
Ref Iván Bartón blew his whistle and pointed to the spot leading to the dramatic spot kick. Jiménez sent keeper Luis Mejía the wrong way, slotting home just right of center. The hosts saw out the win … perhaps saving Martino’s job in the process.
Since sitting atop the Concacaf table after a Round 6 win in El Salvador, El Tri has gone 2-1-2, putting itself in a precarious position. Next up is Team USA, and the precocious Americans boast a three-game win streak vs. Mexico, so stretching its advantage over Panama was a must.
Elsewhere Wednesday night, Canada won a key road match, beating El Salvador 2-0, while the U.S. got back in the “W” column with a 3-0 win over Honduras in frigid conditions in Minnesota.
Also, visiting Costa Rica claimed a 1-0 win at Jamaica to remain alive in the hunt for the playoff spot awarded to the fourth-place finisher. El Salvador is mathematically alive (9 points), while Jamaica (7 points) and Honduras (3 points) are out.
