4th Match: Mexico vs Jamaica – Copa America 2024

NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Saturday, June 22nd, 2024
Updated 4:30 PM MST, June 22, 2024
HOUSTON, June 22 – (OleMundo.com)

Mexico and Jamaica have kicked off in Houston for both teams’ opening match of Copa America 2024. 

Mexico are favorites going into the game despite the team’s recent rocky form and rehaul of the team under new coach Jaime Lozano resulting in a new look. Jamaica are without top-goalscorer Leon Bailey as his feud with the Jamaican Football Federation continues. They are also missing two starters tonight in Andre Blake and Damien Lowe.

This is shaping up to be a tough fought battle so far for both teams. WIth an unsettled Mexico giving Jamaica hope- although it would be their first win in seven years against the El Tri.

Mexico starting XI: (4-3-3): 

Julio Gonzalez, Jorge Sanchez, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Gerardo Arteaga, Orbelin Pineda, Edson Alvarez, Luis Chavez, Uriel Antuna, Santiago Gimenez, Julian Quinones

Jamaica starting XI (5-3-2): 

Jahmali Waite, Joel Latibeaudiere, Dexter Lembiska, Ethan Pinnock, Di’Shon Bernard, Greg Leigh, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Kasey Palmer, Demarai Gray, Shamar Nicholson, Michail Antonio.

Mexico and Jamaica opened their 2024 Copa America campaign in front of nearly 45,000 fans at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. in a thrilling, close, back-and-forth that resulted in Mexico taking the victory with the lone goal coming in the 69th minute. 

Analysis

Mexico’s Copa América opener against Jamaica was a rollercoaster of emotions. The match took a dramatic turn in the 27th minute when Mexico’s captain, emotional leader, and most in-form player Edson Alvarez went down with an injury, leaving the already subdued stadium eerily quiet. 

Jamaica capitalized on their opportunities in the first half, maintaining a strong midfield and tight defensive lines. Mexico was forced to play out wide and seemed to lack any creativity or individual skill. Near the end of the first half, Jamaica switched to a back five, frustrating Mexico’s attacks. 

For some reason (like the Argentine team earlier in the competition) El Tri took nearly ten extra minutes to return after halftime, however Jamaica came out blazing. They stormed the Mexican defense and goal relentlessly. Which led to a headed goal by Michail Antonio in the 52nd minute. Celebrations were cut short when Antonio’s goal was disallowed and it also ignited Mexico, leading to their best spell of play. 

Mexico’s left-back Gerardo Arteaga finally broke the deadlock in the 69th minute, for his second goal for his nation, after strategic substitutions from both sides disrupted Jamaica’s chemistry. Despite teenage sensation Dixon’s relentless push for an equalizer over the final ten minutes or so, Jamaica fell short securing a hard-fought win for Mexico.

Post Match Reaction 

Jamie Lozano and his side will be of two minds after this game. While they took the victory and were able to hold off Jamaica’s attacks as well as show their own attacking prowess it wasn’t pretty. Santiago Gimenez failed to leave his mark on the game, no individual players stood out, and team captain Alvarez came off the field with a non-contact injury to his hamstring. Mexico will hope he returns for their next match against Venezuela.

For the Reggae Boyz they will ultimately be frustrated although they should be proud and have lots of positives to take from their performance. While playing for counter-attacks, long balls, and in transitions they still managed to play well and force Mexico to play their game. Jamaica are clearly missing their top performer Leon Bailey and hopefully after his goal was ruled offsides Antonio will be able to score his first goal (that counts) in 11 games for Jamaica their next time out against Ecuador. 

The biggest standout performance today came from young Jamaican goalkeeper Jahmali Waite. With starting keeper Blake on the bench with an injury, the young keeper from USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC had big shoes to fill and did so tremendously. He made great save after great save keeping Jamaica in the tie, earning the clear shot at man of the match until Mexico’s relentless attack finally got one past him. 

Due to his winning goal and being a part of the defense that held Mexico scoreless the man of the match should go to Gerardo Arteaga.

Conclusion

After today’s earlier game between Ecuador and Venezuela ended with Venezuela taking a 2-1 Mexico finishes the day in second place. They are level on points (3) and goal difference (+1) with Venezuela but are behind on goals scored. Jamaica sits in third place in the group ahead of Ecuador. The group still seems wide open and all teams fairly evenly matched after their first game day.

Match Stats Overview

Jamaica attempted 13 shots with 4 on target, maintaining 39% of possession. They completed 317 passes, earned 6 corners, and made 8 saves. Additionally they committed 3 offsides, recorded 7 fouls and no cards.

Mexico, however, took 20 shots with 9 on target, dominating possession with 61%. They completed 519 passes, won 7 corners, and their keeper made 4 saves. Mexico was caught offsides 1 time, committed 8 fouls and also did not receive a card.

Final Match Stats

Mexico National Team

Shots: 20

Shots on goal: 9

Possession: 61%

Passes made: 519

Pass Accuracy: 83%

Corner kicks: 7

Offsides: 1

Fouls: 8

Saves: 4

Cards: 0

Jamaica National Team

Shots: 13

Shots on goal: 4

Possession: 39%

Passes made: 317

Pass Accuracy: 74%

Corner kicks: 6

Offsides: 3

Fouls: 7

Saves: 8

Cards: 0