Mexico 2 x 1 Ecuador.
Once again, I was surprised at Ecuador much improved game. Perhaps was the early goal that gave them a little confidence, as Mexico seem to be playing very nervously and allowed the goal after an error by the defense giving the Ecuadorians so much space.
Nevertheless, after a while, Mexico took control of the mid-field once again and relentlessly began to attack until they got the equalizer before half time.
In the second half more of the same until Mexico got their second goal. Inexplicably, they could have gotten more (at least 2 more, one of them a shot from Blanco that hit the post and out. They had plenty of opportunities that never materialized.
All of a sudden, after Mexico's second goal Ecuador became alive and started creating several opportunities, the closest one with Tenorio (who is incredibly fast), went past the defense, received a pass and fired on Pérez at close range, his quick reaction (and foot), saved the Mexicans from the equalizer.
It is inexplicable that Ecuador, who demonstrated to have the skill, decided far too late in the game that they ought to participate more keenly. Mexico came to win and they did (it seems that the change in psychology is more permanent than a mere one game event). The only thing Mexico did not do was score more goals (which they could have as I said, at least two more). This would have given them a little more breathing room to qualify.
Again, the final two games are "must wins" for Italy (against Mexico) and Croatia, (against Ecuador). They must do so by at least a 2-goal margin for Italy and possibly a 3-goal margin for Croatia (or Mexico lose by more than 2). So, we can expect very good matches.
A very possible scenario is that Italy - Mexico is a draw and Croatia beats Ecuador, in which case Italy gets fried, with Mexico and Croatia going forward. This will make the Italians truly go all out against Mexico... On the other hand, if Mexico continues to play the way they have played so far, there is no reason why they could not hand the Italians their head on a silver platter. |
