Mexico ended a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign window with a 2-1 loss to Canada in Edmonton when the home team climbed to the top of the CONCACAF table.
It was the second consecutive loss for Mexico after the previous 0-2 loss USA last Friday in Cincinnati, with El Tri dropped to third place behind USMNT in second.
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During Tuesday’s game at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium, the focus shifted away from the usual discussion of tactics and squad selection and to the weather in the Canadian province of Alberta. The snow had melted on Tuesday afternoon, but the game was still going on in frigid conditions, with temperatures dropping to -10 degrees Fahrenheit after the opening whistle.
Although no snow was expected at game time, field conditions were poor. Gridiron Road is clearly visible on the mostly home field of the Canadian Football League team Edmonton Elks.
CONCACAF spokesman Nicholas Noble wrote in an email to the Associated Press: “By the rules of the game, by the rules of the game, it’s up to the referee to determine if the field is playable.” ‘
Like Friday’s game against the USMNT, Mexico’s early press caused problems for Canadians, despite secession for offense from Hirving Lozano and Raul Jimenez did not end in obvious opportunities for El Tri.
Despite the initial lack of offensive production, Mexico’s five-man backline was able to stop the Canadian duo at first Alphonso Davies and Tajon Buchanan. However, it was Mexico’s mistakes that kept them out – this time before half-time. After Mexico Orbelin Pineda turn the ball upside down in his half, Alistair Johnston experiment Guillermo Ochoa from outside the box. Ochoa saves a shot at Cyle Larin, who scored the first goal of the game.
In the second half, a listless Mexico saw Canada increase the pressure from the whistle, creating a number of chances towards Ochoa’s goal. At the 51st minute, a Stephen Eustaquio The free-kick found Larin’s right foot within six metres, with Ochoa merely a bystander. It was Larin’s 22nd goal for the Canadian national team since his debut in 2014, and his fourth most-goal match against Les Rouges.
A late goal from Hector Herrera put El Tri on the board and give them fleeting hope when Atlético Madrid The midfielder headed for a ball which was cut in the second half Jesus Corona.
In stoppage time, Mexico tried to find a way to tie the result – but was turned away by the goalkeeper Milan Borjan on a few occasions. Jesus Sanchez had the clearest chance, as the ball shot up to his chest just inches from goal. Borjan made a spectacular save and secured the win.
For Mexico, their second consecutive qualifying loss means further relegation in the CONCACAF standings, hovering to current fourth place thanks to a superior goal difference vs. Panama.
Mexico has only two wins in the last six official matches, scoring six goals and conceding the same amount. They will be active again on December 8 in a friendly match against Chile in Austin, Texas, ahead of World Cup qualifiers in January.
On the other side, Canada took a big step towards qualifying for their first World Cup since 1986. At the top of the qualifying group with 16 points, they extended their unbeaten streak. to eight games. Canada have not lost an official match since July, when they fell to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup against Mexico.
