by G.D. Morrill
Mexico, winner over Uruguay 3-1, two days ago confronted Jamaica tonight in the Rose Bowl, with an announced crowd of over 83,000 crazy, wild Mexicans who were in a frenzy for most of the game.
Earlier today, Venezuela surprised Uruguay 1-0, leaving the way for Mexico to an easy passage to the quarterfinals. Uruguay, they, the proud winners of two World Cups, leave with their tails between their legs, their proud history not doing a damn thing for them in this tournament. Venezuela had not beaten Uruguay in at least a century, so this was an historical victory for El Vino Tinto, named for their win colored uniforms.
All Mexico needs to do is defeat Jamaica and they advance. Venezuela had beaten Jamaica 1-0 two days ago, and didn’t seem to belong in this tournament, but did their part to attempt to stop Mexico, but in the end their small pool from which to pick players, bit them in the pitutie. Mexico is loaded with with international stars, including Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, Andres Guardado, (who wouldn’t play due to a red card in Mexico’s last game) and Goalie Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa, who plays in the Italian league.
Mexico didn’t take long to exert their dominance over an over matched Jamaica, by heading in a goal in the 17th minute on a classic header by Charcharito. The Jamaicans are athletic and fast but lack a decent league for them to hone their skills. Their best players play in the MLS and internationally. Mexico superior technical skill set gave them superiority over the Reggae Boys. However, Jamaica played valiantly until the 80th minute when Oribe Peralta, who had just subbed in for Chicharito, hit the far post for the second Mexican goal.
Jamaica had numerous opportunities for goals but could not put the biscuit in the basket. The Reggae boys acquitted themselves with an extraordinary effort, but in the end, Mexico had too many tools for Jamaica to win.
Mexico and Venezuela will play each other for winner of the group, which will determine whom they play in the quarterfinals.
