Copa America 2016: Mexico 3-1 Uruguay - 5 talking points
Mexico came away with a huge victory at the Phoenix stadium as a goal each from Rafa Marquez and Hector Herrera, coupled with an early own goal from Alvaro Perreira sealed a commanding 3-1 victory for El Tri in their group C opener.
In arguably the best match of the campaign thus far, Mexico started the game on the front foot, and quite unsurprisingly, took the lead within 5 minutes from kickoff when Perreira inadvertently headed Guardado’s cross into his own net.
Pressure mounted over Uruguay when Vecino was sent for an early bath after a second bookable offence, but skipper Diego Godin sparked a glimmer of hope for La Celeste when he headed home the equaliser 15 minutes from time, shortly after Guardado was sent off for Mexico.
Despite losing the numerical advantage, Mexico recovered from the setback in the most emphatic way when a 37-year-old Marquez and Herrera scored late goals to ensure a comprehensive win for Juan Osorio’s side, who also take the pole position of group C after the first round.
Let’s discuss the major issues spruced up from a thrilling affair in Arizona.
1) Copa America bursts into life
After 5 mediocre opening games, the Copa America Centenario well and truly sparked into life as Mexico and Uruguay fought tooth and nail at the University of Phoenix stadium, producing a spectacle of certain degree not seen in this tournament until now.
The match started at a break-neck speed and Mexico flew out of the gates when they found the opener inside 5 minutes. Uruguay were left shell-shocked, but more misery was to come as they were down to 10-men when Vecino was sent off at the stroke of half-time.
Regardless, Uruguay were the better side in the second stanza, and after Guardado was given the marching orders as well, captain Godin restored parity for the men in blue.
Los Charruas thought they were back in the game and snatched away a point, only for Marquez and Herrera to score late but in quick succession and turn the balance in Mexico’s favour again.
Goals, cards, twists, fights and post-match drama, this match was one heck of a Helluva ride!