El Tri’s home away from home

Mexico 2-0 Suriname:

June 18 – The Mexican national team is perhaps the only country in world football that plays home matches in two countries. The Azteca Stadium in Mexico City is, of course, their spiritual home; however, in Los Angeles – where they roared to victory over the Dominican Republic – and tonight in the heart of Texas at AT&T Stadium in Arlington versus Suriname, the team is welcomed by partisan support and rapturous anticipation.

While Jerry Jones’ monument to himself and the Dallas Cowboys wasn’t close to capacity, the 34,015 supporters on hand who braved ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and the extortionate $75 parking fee created a carnival atmosphere.

With the support, though, comes expectations – especially when, according to FIFA rankings, it’s 17th in the world versus 137th.

As clear favorites, El Tri began well, looking lively, creating angles, and testing Etienne Vaessen in the Suriname goal. Star striker Raúl Jiménez was putting himself about on both sides of the ball, and it felt as though it was only a matter of time before the Gold Cup holders would take the lead. But football doesn’t work like that.

Suriname began to generate the most powerful substance in football: belief! And with that belief came confidence to take the game to Mexico.

Luis Malagón, the heir apparent to the legendary Guillermo Ochoa, had to dive smartly to his right to deny Denzel Jubitana’s fizzing drive in the 16th minute. Just three minutes later, Shaquille Pinas had a free header that he should’ve scored from instead of bouncing the ball into the relieved arms of Malagón.

El Tri coach Javier Aguirre’s frustration was evident, and that boiled over after 30 minutes, resulting in a stern talking-to from referee Selvin Brown. They shook hands, but it was plain to see that they agreed to disagree.

Scoreless after 45 minutes was probably fair, with the smattering of boos that greeted the whistle firmly directed at Mexico. Prior to the match, Aguirre had intimated that his side are a work in progress, and this first-half showing confirmed that suspicion.

The second half began with Suriname offering enough threat to keep Mexico honest, and if they’d had the ability to make the final pass, Stanley Menzo, their Dutch coach, would’ve taken his animation levels to a new stratosphere.

There is an issue when you play teams that are better than you on paper, though – when offered the opportunity to score, you must take it. Suriname didn’t.

In the 57th minute, El Tri had a corner. The delivery by Alexis Vega was adequate but superb if there is no defensive marking in the box. For the first time in the match, Suriname went completely to sleep and gave César Montes (pictured top right) the freedom of AT&T Stadium.

He made no mistake, heading past Vaessen for his second international goal in three matches. Six minutes later, Montes had his brace, latching on to a bouncing ball in the box to fire past Vaessen, and with that, the resistance was broken. The belief that had been so powerful left the building, allowing the El Tri faithful to breathe and begin a seemingly endless round of the Mexican Wave.

With the two-goal lead, Aguirre now had his team practice the art of game management, which is so vital in a tournament setting. Should Mexico advance all the way to the final, they’ll be playing six matches in three weeks – keeping minds and bodies fresh is the key to success.

For Suriname, they’ll exit the tournament knowing they played a thriller against Costa Rica while tormenting and worrying Mexico for 57 minutes, and that is progress.

El Tri will now head off to Las Vegas to meet the Ticos with first place in Group A on the line, and if this talented Mexican squad discovers their belief, they’ll be a hard team to stop as they go about defending their 2023 Gold Cup title.

Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1750323493labto1750323493ofdlr1750323493owedi1750323493sni@r1750323493etsbe1750323493w.kci1750323493n1750323493