LOS ANGELES — Friday, Mexico women’s national team coach Pedro Lopez said the focus, after their upset win over the USWNT, had shifted to Paraguay and the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals.
Sunday Mexico rode the roller-coaster of emotions in front of a predominantly pro-Mexico crowd in the first game of the doubleheader at BMO Stadium.
Lizbeth Ovalle opened the scoring in the 31st minute, Mexico then built a two-goal lead on two occasions, before holding on for a 3-2 win in front of 13,229.
“The game was very interesting,” Lopez said. “If we had scored 30 percent of our opportunities we would have been comfortable. Instead, we were stressed.
“We had clear opportunities, maybe 12. It is important to keep creating those opportunities. If you asked me before the tournament, I say yes (happy with semifinals) but now I want more.”
Mexico will face Brazil in Wednesday’s semifinals at Snapdragon Stadium.
When Karen Luna scored in the 49th minute, Mexico had what appeared to be a safe two-goal lead at 3-1. Paraguay chose not to go quietly, however.
Moments after Luna’s goal, Paraguay earned a penalty kick. Jessica Martinez stepped up, but Mexico goalkeeper Stephany Barrera made the initial save and also on the rebound.
Two other clear chances for Paraguay followed, but each time a Mexico defender was on the goal-line with the clearance.
Finally, in the 64th minute, Paraguay cut the Mexico’s lead in half as Camila Barbosa was able to sneak her header under Barrera and into the goal.
Now, with just a one-goal lead, observers would have expected Mexico to try to play possession and see the game out. It was just the opposite as Mexico, motivated by the cheering crowd pushed for a fourth goal, but it never came, leaving the group to “settle” for the one-goal win.
It has already been a positive tournament for Mexico.
Mexico pulled one of the biggest upsets in the tournament, defeating the USWNT in the final day of Group A to win finish first….
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