Ending their match against Guatemala tonight in a scoreless draw, Mexico stays behind Trinidad and Tobago in the Gold Cup Group C standings.
The first half exhibited Mexico as the dominant side on the attack, and even though they enjoyed a large majority of possession, Miguel Herrera and Co. were struggling to find ways to break through Guatemala’s back line.
In the 16th minute, Jonathan Dos Santos whipped a cross from a set piece into the box and it appeared to have caused the handball by striking Los Chapines’ midfielder Jose Contreras. Referees didn’t make the call.
The good news for Mexico in the first 45 minutes was the fact that La Bicolor weren’t intimidating on the offensive end.
Mexico’s best chance came in 34th minute when Oribe Peralta cooly drew several defenders to his body and looped a cross for Andres Guardado at the far post, but the PSV Eindhoven man, who faced a nearly open net, sprayed his flick above the crossbar.
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Big time stuff from Motta to deny Guardado https://t.co/nQcNF73uRX
— SOCCER.COM (@soccerdotcom) July 13, 2015
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In the 75th minute, Guatemala netminder Paulo Motta was bailed out when Peralta couldn’t hit the ball at close range correctly off a Hector Herrera assist.
One minute later, Contreras was sent off with a red card after succumbing to a second yellow card within three minutes.
Still, Mexico couldn’t come up with the one moment needed to change the course of the game.
El Tri pushed hard at moments with a promising combination between Giovani Dos Santos and Guardado ended in a shot deflected away.
Forward Carlos Esquivel slammed an attempt off the crossbar in the 86th minute.
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Mexico just can't buy a goal tonight 🇲🇽 https://t.co/RDhaLSTLtj
— SOCCER.COM (@soccerdotcom) July 13, 2015
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The unfortunate Mexicans challenged Motta’s basic goalkeeping skills in stoppage time.