Mexico prevails over Jamaica 1-0 in their Copa America opener

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HOUSTON – Urgency was the name of the game for Mexico in its Copa America 2024 group match against Jamaica, and it paid dividends as El Tri notched the 1-0 victory.

Mexico, playing in the Copa America tournament for the 11th time in its history, entered Saturday’s match having lost three of its last four matches, including a CONCACAF Nations League Final loss to region rivals the United States and a 4-0 drubbing in a friendly versus Uruguay.

The urgency to notch a win showed itself in Mexico’s first few possessions.

In the first minute, El Tri earned a corner kick, and in the third minute, they made Jamaican goalkeeper Jahmali Waite stretch for a save with their first shot of the game. Waite kept Mexico off the scoresheet for most of the game and finished the match with eight saves.

“It has to be said, it was a good night for their goalkeeper,” said Mexico coach Jaime Lozano. “He had a lot of saves and bailed them out on occasions.”

The one occasion Waite couldn’t bail out Jamaica was in the 69th minute when Mexico finally broke through.

Mexico’s right back, Jorge Sánchez, sent in a looping cross that Jamaica cleared right to Mexico midfielder Luis Romo, who slotted it over to left-back Gerardo Arteaga at the edge of the penalty area. The left-back one-timed a left-footed power shot past a diving Waite and into the back of the net, sending most of the 53,763 in attendance at NRG Stadium into a frenzy.

Jamaican head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson said his side struggled with second balls all match, and Mexico’s lone goal resulted from this. The goal was deserved for Mexico after many close calls, and for Lozano, it was even better that it came from a player earning more playing time.

“The idea was to empower some players who were called before but didn’t have the minutes to shine,” said Lozano. “Today was Arteaga’s turn, but we have a set of other players who are adding minutes at the top level. That’s what we had in mind when we made the roster.”

Lozano had to dig into his roster in the 30th minute as Mexico’s midfield stalwart and team captain, Edson Alvarez, picked up a non-contact injury, later described as a left hamstring injury. Romo replaced Alvarez and assisted on the goal.

“Regarding Edson, we are going to wait,” said Lozano. “We’re going to see what he has and take some images. We don’t want to risk it. He felt something in his leg.”

If Mexico has to continue the tournament without Alvarez, it will be a tremendous loss but could allow other players to show what they can bring to the team.

Mexico right-back Jorge Sánchez met with the media after Mexico’s 1-0 win over Jamaica. [Jesus Acevedo Jr. | The Bayoucitian]
“After the win, we entered the locker room, and he [Alvarez] was happy for the result and said he’s going to support us all the way,” said Sánchez. “We also know we have other players who can step in and do the same or better job than Edson.”

Mexico’s next Copa America match is on June 26 versus Venezuela. who are tied with El Tri atop Group B.