Gold Cup - Mexico Defeated Guadeloupe without Suspended Coach Aguirre

By Ally White

Mexico, currently at first place in Group C for the Gold Cup, defeated Guadeloupe 2-0 this Sunday despite its missing coach, Javier Aguirre, who was absent due to suspension.

Aguirre started a fight during the match against Panama and came close to missing a World Cup qualifier game against the United States. However, the CONCACAF committee decided instead to give a $25,000 fine to the Mexico team and penalize Aguirre with a three-game suspension due to his inappropriate behavior.

As a result, Aguirre watched Sunday's game from the stands.

The Mexican team entered the game with a great deal of motivation and excitement. Omar Bravo offered the first chance to score in the 11th minute, followed shortly thereafter by a long-range shot by Carlos Esquivel, but both attempts went out.

The first half also marked the best save made by Guadeloupe's goalkeeper, Fausta, after Mexico's Giovanni Dos Santos made a dangerous free kick in the 36th minute.

Despite all of Fausta's saves, however, Mexico opened the score at the 41st minute, after Gerardo Torrado gathered an assist from Efrain Juarez in the penalty area, kicking with his right foot to place the ball in a deep arc and bringing the score to 1-0 by half time.

Guadeloupe entered the second half with more energy, trying to take advantage of opportunities to tie the game at minute 69. However, Mexico regained control of the action a few short minutes later.

Action between the two teams resulted in two Guadeloupe players being sent out: Alain Vertot drew his second yellow card afer pulling down a Mexican player, and subsequently Ludovic Gotin obtained a straight red after a risky tackle.

After the call, Mexico was able to control the game with ease. At minute 85, Miguel Sabah headed a pass from Pablo Barrera to end the game with a 2-0 in favor of the Tri.

Now, with two victories and a draw overall, Mexico can claim first place in Group C and is currently the favorite to win the Gold Cup.

Even though Coach Aguirre was forced to be a spectator in this game and explained how difficult it was for him to be away from his players, he also said that he was satisfied with his team and the way the team members executed the game plan.

"It was very tough, but I had to deal with it. I was penalized, but I really believe in my team. It was definitely tough, but it gave me a lot of perspective watching from up there. We qualified and we feel good. We seemed lighter on our feet and more confident. I hope that we stay that way,” said Aguirre.

Now moving to the quarterfinals, Mexico will face Haiti on July 19th at Arlington, Texas, while Guadeloupe will face Costa Rica on the same day at the same venue.

About the Author

Ally White is a top senior copy writer for the CONCACAF Gold Cup as well as the top ranking sports betting: www.instantactionsports.com/uk/

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