The game last Wednesday resulted in a 2-0 victory for El Tri that did not come easily. Mexico proved itself the victor at Marlins Park in Miami but not without a few bumps in the road.
The game itself was predicted to be clumsy from the get-go. With a not-so-well-known squad announced to play the game, the first couple minutes saw a very unfamiliar team attempt to take on the fast opponent that was Senegal. A majority of the first half was spent with Senegal trying to finish both breakaways inside the box and corners given to their side.
There were a few opportunities for Mexico in the first half. The unfamiliar players on the Mexican squad at times started a few plays, with forward Eduardo “Lalo” Herrera seeing some great through balls and chip passes being given to him by Zavala. However, Mexico also gave up too many balls on their side, including a mistake from Yasser Corona in the 17th minute of play that was ultimately saved by an impressive Jesus Corona in the goal.
Youngsters Jurgen Damm and Hirving Lozano showed incredible potential during the game. Damm proved to be a worth attacker early into the game, challenging the Senegal defense with strong runs towards the goal. Lozano also showed strong attacking capabilities by giving impressive passes (one that would later lead to a goal) and even taking some strikes at the goal himself.
Mexico played sloppy and did not even find the net until the latter part of the second half with a header from Duenas in the 72nd minute and another from Pachuca’s Rodolfo Pizzaro in the 86th minute.
The game proved to be one of finding rhythm and for Osorio, it was a chance for him to see the mistakes made from a majority of players would will not be making appearances this summer. There was hesitation but also confidence that he knew what he was doing and how to fix the problems of the second half. His subs proved to be effective both at the half as well as the later parts of the game.
As he took notes from the sidelines throughout the game, the likely result will be a coach who is more aware of what is to come. We still have yet to see the likes of the European power stars of Chicharito (though injured), Layun, Hector Herrera, Hector Moreno, Guardado and Tecatito be led by Osorio. A clumsy victory against Senegal showed that there is a winning Mexico for Osorio, even with the most unlikely of players.