So much for building momentum ahead of the World Cup. Mexico not only lost against Colombia in its final match before departing for the World Cup in November, but it saw its 2-0 lead evaporate in a 3-2 loss at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Mexico played its best half in recent memory, staking itself to a 2-0 halftime lead thanks to an early penalty converted by Alexis Vega, and a goal by left-back Gerardo Arteaga. But the wheels came off in the second half.
Colombia made three subs to start the half and promptly scored three unanswered goals in the second half, including two by Leeds United’s Luis Sinisterra and a stunning volley by midfielder Wilmer Barrios.
It was an avalanche of Colombian attacks in the second half and Mexico had no answer. El Tri manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino tried to make some personnel changes to stem the tide, but it didn’t work and Mexico will have to head to the World Cup in November with a bad taste in their mouth.
Mexico will have two warmup matches on its way to Qatar in November: Iraq on Nov. 9 and Sweden on Nov. 16, with both matches taking place in Girona, Spain. Mexico then plays its first Group C match against Poland on Nov. 22.
Source: MARCA
