Mexico 3-1 El Salvador
Football betting pundits had a lot of doubts coming into this game. Without European powerhouses to help defend the throne, Juan Carlos Osorio had to dig deep into Mexico’s pool of players.
The absence of Chicharito and his friends turned the betting odds against the Elt Tri defending their title. Some even predicted that Mexico will have a harder time trying to win football games in the Gold Cup.
The questions that surrounded Mexicos heads began to clear when their match against El Salvador was won. Elias Hernandez, in particular, was a shining light among the striking lineup that drew criticisms from experts.
Mexico did not let up from the get-go and scored within eight minutes. Hernandez unleashed a beautiful free kick into the box that found the head of Hedgardo Marin. Marin then pushed the ball past Benji Villalobos to strike first.
The lead did not last until two minutes later, however: a turnover in midfield resulted in a blitzing counter that saw Rodolfo Zelaya pass the ball to Nelson Bonilla in a very good spot. Jose Corona could not keep the clean sheet as Bonilla shot the ball to the far post.
The tussle to break the tie would be broken almost 20 minutes later. Mexico worked the ball from the back to the right wing. Jesus Gallardo crossed the ball to the other side, where Hernandez was waiting. Elias then powered in a beautiful volley shot past Villalobos to put the Mexicans ahead once more.
The final bit of action would happen ten minutes into the second half. A lobbed ball meant for Edson Alvarez went over and was picked up by Elias. He then dashed through the right wing and whipped the ball into the box. Angel Sepulveda did not get to the ball on time, but Orbelin Pineda was there to finish the sweet cross and give the Mexicans the two-goal cushion they badly needed.
After such a fantastic showing, Hernandez might be the talisman Mexico need to defend the Gold Cup. His footprints were all over the goals that Mexico scored. He definitely erased doubts on whether this weakened Mexico team can find ways to score goals.
We can be sure that El Tri, their fans and opponents will be keeping an eye on whether Hernandez will impress in their next match against Jamaica.
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