Well I have to say its good that I’m suffering from insomnia these days, it has allowed me to catch the Copa America on satellite. At two o’clock in the morning I tuned in to watch a a Chilean squad that just wouldn’t go down; a match that would have been much forgotten if Nelson Acosta’s side hadn’t recorded a magnificent 3-2 comeback victory in what has been so far the best match of the competition as drama dominated day two of the tournament.
Oh! … and did i mention that Brazil were outclassed by Mexico?
At the Estadio Cachamay in Puerto Ordaz, Luis Antonio Valencia and Cristian Benitez put Ecuador in front twice. The first time after 16 minutes, off a two-pass play initiated off a free kick by goalkeeper Cristian Mora. The second after 23 minutes off a strong header by Segundo Castillo. Only for Humberto Suazo to equalize each time; with a powerful kick from the edge of the area in the 21st after a neat one-two and from inside the area in the 80th after fielding a cross off his chest, riffling the ball into the top of the net
And in the 87th, substitute Carlos Villanueva found the back of the net as he curled a left-footed free-kick to the right post as Ecuador goalkeeper Cristian Mora failed to react.
Also in Puerto Ordaz, Mexico upset Brazil for the second straight time at a major tournament. Brazil played poorly in the first period, in fact Brazil looked helpless till half-time with Diego marked out of the game by Jaime Correa, Brazil were lost in midfield and thus suffered two goals in the space of ten minutes. .
Nery Castillo, the striker of Greek champion Olympiakos showed off his quality touches in the rival box, flicking the ball over defender Maicon and then past goalkeeper Doni without letting it touch the ground in the 21st minute
A Ramon Morales free kick eight minutes later made it 2-0, sealing the defeat for Carlos Dunga’s men in his first competitive match in charge.
In the second half, however, Brazil pressed and deserved at least a goal as they had 11 shots on goal to Mexico’s three, with Robinho in particular trying his luck several times hitting the crossbar in the process. Anderson and Afonso were brought on at halftime, and were able to create a flurry of chances only to be denied by Ochoa.
Guillermo was simply spectacular, he made over half a dozen saves to preserve his clean sheet. After making a brave save at Robinho’s feet he turned a goal bound Afonso volley round the post and then made an unbelievable double save to deny Robinho and Anderson.
Hugo Sanchez biggest win yet since he took over as coach in November and Dunga’s career as coach couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start. Brazil seemed really vulnerable down the left flank and one dimensional on offense while Mexico showcased brilliant attacking prowess and reliable squad depth, which is more than we can say for Brazil.
Just a bad day for the Seleção? Perhaps… But El Tri has the best form of the lot, they just finished playing the Gold Cup and after they’re defeat to the US they seem to have a regained they’re hunger, they’re picardia (the edgy and aggressive Mexican attitude) which was lacking in their Gold Cup endeavor.
Sources: IHT, Bloomberg, ESPN, AP.
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