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Mexico 0-0 Bolivia: El Tri can’t break through after second-half surge

APTOPIX Chile Soccer Copa America Mexico Bolivia

Bolivia’s Danny Bejarano, right, heads the ball as Mexico goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona tries to block during a Copa America Group A soccer match at the Sausalito Stadium in Vina del Mar, Chile, Friday, June 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

AP

Many have said Mexico has taken a “B-team” to Chile for the Copa America, and after El Tri’s opening match against Bolivia, it would be hard to argue against that.

[ GROUP PREVIEWS: A | B | C ]

After a dismal first half from both sides, Miguel Herrera made some second half substitutes to try and turn around the play. While the fresh legs helped Mexico pour on the attack, the lack of experience was on full display as they failed to convert on multiple prime opportunities.

Mexico came out of the break looking much stronger than in the first half, and strung together some good passes to pull the Bolivian defense out of position. El Tri had quite a few chances to go ahead, but with a side missing its star players, the final touch was seemingly absent from the Mexican attack.

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Vicente Vuoso should have given Mexico the lead just after the hour mark, as Jesus Corona did well to cut by his defender on the left flank and throw in a cross. But Vuoso’s header skipped just wide of the back post, as Bolivia dodged a bullet.

El Tri had a call for a penalty late in the match as Javier Aquino went down in the box, but referee Enrique Caceres said play on. Miguel Herrera was livid on the Mexico sideline, and though replay showed there was contact, it did seem as if Aquino went down rather easily.

The two sides now sit tied for second place in Group A, as host nation Chile leads the group following a 2-0 win over Ecuador in the opening match of the tournament.