River Plate Downs Mexico 2-0: Player Ratings Reveal El Tri's Downfall In Argentina
A Comprehensive Analysis of a Frustrating Night for Mexico
The Mexican national team suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to River Plate in a friendly match in Argentina on Wednesday night. The result was a setback for El Tri, who are preparing for the CONCACAF Gold Cup next month.
Mexico coach Gerardo Martino made several changes to his starting lineup from the team that beat Nigeria 2-1 last week. Guillermo Ochoa started in goal, with a back four of Jorge Sanchez, Cesar Montes, Hector Moreno, and Jesus Gallardo. Andres Guardado and Edson Alvarez played in midfield, with Hirving Lozano, Roberto Alvarado, and Uriel Antuna supporting striker Raul Jimenez.
River Plate took the lead in the 25th minute when Enzo Fernandez curled a free kick into the top corner. Mexico had a few chances to equalize, but they were unable to find the back of the net. The home side doubled their lead in the 56th minute when Julian Alvarez scored from close range.
Mexico pushed for a goal in the final 30 minutes, but they were unable to break down River Plate's defense. The result was a disappointing one for El Tri, who will need to improve their performance if they want to win the Gold Cup.
Player Ratings
Guillermo Ochoa (6): Made a few good saves but could not do anything about either goal.
Jorge Sanchez (5): Had a tough time against River Plate's left winger, Matias Suarez.
Cesar Montes (6): Was solid defensively and made a few key tackles.
Hector Moreno (5): Was not at his best and made a few mistakes.
Jesus Gallardo (5): Was active going forward but was caught out of position for River Plate's second goal.
Andres Guardado (5): Was tidy in possession but did not offer enough creativity.
Edson Alvarez (5): Was solid defensively but did not offer much going forward.
Hirving Lozano (4): Was disappointing and did not create any chances for his teammates.
Roberto Alvarado (5): Was lively and created a few chances but was unable to find the back of the net.
Uriel Antuna (5): Was dangerous on the counterattack but was unable to make a real impact on the game.
Raul Jimenez (5): Was isolated up front and did not get much service from his teammates.
Analysis
Mexico's defeat to River Plate was a disappointing result for the team. El Tri were outplayed by the Argentine side and were unable to create many chances. The performance was a concern for coach Gerardo Martino, who will need to find a way to improve his team's performance before the Gold Cup.
One of the main problems for Mexico was their lack of creativity in midfield. Guardado and Alvarez were unable to provide enough service for the forwards, and the team struggled to create clear-cut chances. Lozano, Alvarado, and Antuna were all disappointing, and they were unable to make an impact on the game.
Another problem for Mexico was their defense. The back four was shaky, and they were unable to deal with River Plate's attacking players. Sanchez was particularly poor, and he was at fault for both of River Plate's goals.
Mexico will need to improve their performance significantly if they want to win the Gold Cup. The team has a lot of talent, but they need to find a way to play better as a unit. Martino will need to find a way to get more creativity from his midfield and improve his team's defense if they want to be successful in the tournament.
Conclusion
Mexico's defeat to River Plate was a disappointing result for the team. El Tri were outplayed by the Argentine side and were unable to create many chances. The performance was a concern for coach Gerardo Martino, who will need to find a way to improve his team's performance before the Gold Cup.
Mexico has a lot of talent, but they need to find a way to play better as a unit. Martino will need to find a way to get more creativity from his midfield and improve his team's defense if they want to be successful in the Gold Cup.
