Bolivia hold Mexico to goalless draw in Copa America tie
Herrera called the 0-0 result a “bitter pill” as his side was lucky to not concede a killer goal
Viña Del Mar, Chile: Mexico coach Miguel Herrera watched in frustration and anger as his side failed to break down minnows Bolivia in a Copa America encou-nter on Friday that ended in a goalless draw. Herrera called the 0-0 result a “bitter pill”. But he was lucky his side did not concede a killer goal in game that left hosts Chile in charge of Group A after their 2-0 win over Ecuador on the opening day of the South Ame-rican championship.
Herrera chided his side weakened by the absence of star players such as Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, Carlos Vela and Giovani dos Santos from the touchline as they failed to break down the world 89th ranked Bolivians.He erupted at Paraguayan referee Enrique Caceres for not awarding a penalty when Javier Aquino, Mexico’s most effective player, appeared to be brought down in the 79th minute.
Herrera brought a weakened squad to the Copa America as he has saved energy for the Gold Cup in the United States next month. But he still insists that Mexico, 29th in the Fifa rankings, are in Chile to win games.Bolivia looked vulnerable when under pressure but surprised their stronger opponents on the counter attack and had three outstanding first half chances. In the 14th minute, Ricard Pedriel flicked a low cross by Swedish based defender Marti Smedberg-Dalence onto the post.
Just before the break, Jhasmani Campos fired a left foot shot that Mexico goalkeeper Jose Jesus Corona just tipped past the post. From the resulting corner, veteran Bolivian defender Ronald Raldes headed just past the other post.Herrera was clearly boiling as Mexico failed to get a grip on the game in the second half. Midfielder Jesus Corona blasted the ball wide of the goal from close range when Matias Vuoso was well placed in the goal area.
Juan Carlos Medina wasted a shot from the edge of the penalty area but Mexico had their best chance when winger ‘Jesus ‘Tecatico’ Corona put in a perfect cross for Vicente Vuoso. The striker headed at the front post and watched the ball go past the far post. With each team having played a game, Chile lead Group ‘A’ on three points, Bolivia and Mexico follow on one point while Ecuador are bottom with no points.
Hernandez in Mexico squad for Gold Cup
Mexico on Friday named striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, Real Sociedad star Carlos Vela and Watford fullback Miguel Layun in a strong 23-man squad for next month’s Gold Cup to be played in USA. Coach Miguel Herrera announced the squad the same night that a different roster seen as a ‘B’ team was playing Bolivia in the Copa America tournament in Chile, which ends July 4.
Herrera saved his biggest stars for the July 7-July 26 Gold Cup, which is hosted by defending champions the USA and is the marquee tournament of the Confederation of the North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). Mexico have won six of the previous 12 Gold Cups and are in Group ‘C’ with Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba and Guatemala.