Just like that, Mexico secured a spot in the Hexagonal thanks to a 2-0 victory vs. Canada at the Estadio Azteca, the team’s second win in five days after the 3-0 drubbing in Vancouver last Friday.
El Capi Andrés Guardado led the way in the routine rout, opening the score by smashing a shot from the penalty spot in the 17th minute.
#TecatitoTime was quick to follow in the form of a golazo in the closing minutes of the half, Jesús Corona’s second super strike in World Cup qualifying (remember Honduras?!).
Even El Guaje Villa’s jaw dropped!
The win was Juan Carlos Osorio’s fifth of five since taking over in October. Despite continual tactical changes – he’s definitely proven his affinity to the 4-3-3 – Mexico has held together. The team has yet to concede a goal under its new manager, and as of last night, extended its undefeated run to 17 games. Hector Moreno and Miguel Layún have proven themselves to be fear-inducing leaders on the defensive line, while Miguel Layún, Héctor Herrera, and – of course – Andrés Guardado look likely to make Mexico a force to be reckoned with in international competition this year and beyond.
Javier “Chicharito” Hernández replaced Raúl Jiménez in the 66th, but perhaps more importantly:
https://twitter.com/nomemesfutbol/status/715009703172919296
In other, less positive news, #MexicanosAlGritoDeEhPuto was among the top three trending topics in Mexico last night. When asked to comment on the chant, Osorio said that it is tradition – even a fan’s right – and that he doesn’t want to get involved in the matter. Ugh.
This comes in the aftermath of yesterday’s unveiling of “Abrazados por el fútbol,” a new campaign against homophobic chants at games.