Mexico’s U-23 national team showcased a dominant performance, securing a resounding 3-0 victory against Argentina in the second match of their two-game friendly series. This win allowed El Tri to split the series after suffering a 4-2 defeat in the initial encounter on Friday. Despite both teams implementing roster rotations, the matches were intensely competitive, with Mexico ultimately proving their mettle in the final game. Argentina is gearing up for the 2024 Olympic Games, while Mexico anticipates their potential participation in the 2024 Maurice Revello Tournament.
The Monday match in Puebla witnessed a completely revamped Mexican starting lineup compared to the previous game, with Ramón Juárez being the sole player to retain his position as center-back. Early in the game, Diego Medina orchestrated a brilliant run, delivering a cross into Argentina’s penalty area. Bryan Gonzalez was on the receiving end, unleashing a powerful left-footed shot that was skillfully deflected by an Argentine defender. Argentina responded with their own offensive pressure, culminating in a precise pass to Luciano Gondou within the Mexican box. Gondou fired a left-footed shot from close range, but Mexican goalkeeper Tapia reacted swiftly, executing an impressive save.
Moments later, Mexico capitalized on an Argentinean turnover. Muñoz delivered a well-timed pass to Victor Lopez, whose subsequent low shot was expertly saved by Argentina’s goalkeeper, Fabricio Iacovich. The rebound fell to Gonzalez, but Iacovich once again denied Mexico with another excellent low save. Pablo Monroy then showcased his attacking prowess, maneuvering into a favorable position in the box and unleashing a powerful left-footed shot, only to be thwarted by yet another remarkable save from Iacovich. From the ensuing corner kick, the ball found Juárez, who attempted an audacious bicycle kick from close range, but Iacovich continued his goalkeeping masterclass, denying Mexico once more. Muñoz then displayed individual brilliance, penetrating the Argentinean penalty area before being fouled by Gonzalo Luján, resulting in a penalty kick for Mexico. Santiago Muñoz confidently stepped up and converted the penalty, sending Iacovich the wrong way and giving Mexico a 1-0 lead. The first half concluded without further incident, with Mexico heading into the break with a well-deserved advantage.
At the start of the second half, Mexico made two substitutions, replacing the injured Diego Medina and Ramón Juárez with Ramiro Arciga and Jesús Alcantar, respectively. Argentina also made a change, bringing on Cristian Medina for Alan Varela. Argentina began the second half with increased control, while Mexico adopted a more defensive posture, focusing on counter-attacking opportunities. However, it was Ramiro Arciga who extended Mexico’s lead. Capitalizing on space and time, Arciga unleashed a stunning right-footed shot that caught Iacovich by surprise, finding the back of the net and increasing Mexico’s advantage to 2-0. This goal came at a crucial juncture, putting Argentina under significant pressure.
Argentina intensified their offensive efforts, but their attacking approach left them vulnerable to Mexican counter-attacks. One such counter-attack proved decisive. Huescas delivered a pinpoint pass into the path of Ramiro Arciga, who once again demonstrated his scoring touch, beating Iacovich for the third time and sealing Mexico’s 3-0 victory. Late in the game, a heated exchange erupted after Ayon was tripped and then struck in the head by a ball kicked by Luján. This sparked a brief scuffle between players, with Rodrigo Lopez confronting Luján. However, the tension soon dissipated as the final whistle blew, confirming Mexico’s comprehensive victory and a split series against Argentina U-23.
Looking back at the first match in Mazatlán, Mexico’s Friday night performance was marred by critical errors that ultimately led to their defeat. Despite Argentina initially taking a 2-0 lead, Mexico demonstrated resilience, fighting back to equalize at 2-2 just before halftime. However, Argentina regained the lead early in the second half, making it 3-2 and shifting the momentum decisively. Argentina dominated the second half, ultimately securing a 4-2 win.
However, in Puebla, Mexico showcased significant improvement, maintaining a high level of play throughout the 90 minutes to achieve a convincing win and even the series. Manager Ricardo Cadena can take credit for this turnaround. Despite Mexico’s disappointment in missing out on the 2024 Olympic Games, the U-23 team has shown promise, having previously won a Bronze medal at the 2023 Pan American Games and now securing a victory against Argentina, a strong contender for a medal in Paris. Mexico now awaits confirmation of their next tournament, which could potentially be the prestigious 2024 Maurice Revello Tournament.
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