Arteaga’s Strike Leads Mexico to 1-0 Victory Over Jamaica
Gerardo Arteaga’s goal from the edge of the penalty area in the 69th minute secured a 1-0 victory for Mexico against Jamaica in their Copa America opener on Saturday night.
Competing as a guest in the championship for the 11th time, Mexico dominated the match, finally finding the net on their 17th shot.
The game’s only goal came after Joel Latibeaudiere’s tame headed clearance landed at the feet of Luis Romo.
Romo controlled the ball with his thigh and passed to Arteaga, who unleashed a left-footed shot that beat Jamaican goalkeeper Jahmali Waite and found the far post.
This was Arteaga’s second goal in 25 international appearances.
“The idea was to empower some players who were called before but didn’t have the minutes to shine,” said Mexico coach Jaime Lozano through an interpreter. “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.”
Jamaica had a moment of hope in the 50th minute when Michail Antonio appeared to score with a short-range header, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a video review.
“A fraction offside,” noted Jamaica coach Heimir Hallgrímsson. “I’ve seen it again, and it was correct.”
Mexico faced a setback in the 30th minute when captain Edson Álvarez left the field with a left hamstring injury, forcing Romo to come on as a substitute.
“Regarding Edson, we are going to wait,” Lozano said. “He’s going to see what he has and take some images. We don’t want to risk it. He felt something in his leg.”
Lozano indicated it would be a couple of days before the severity of Álvarez’s injury is known.
“I think it has been our motto for this summer – together and unity,” Lozano added. “It’s not easy to overcome your captain being removed from the field, but I felt they responded fast. We suffered a bit more than we needed to suffer.”
Lozano mentioned that the turf did not play a factor in the game.
In the other Group B match, Venezuela triumphed over Ecuador 2-1. Mexico will next face Venezuela in Inglewood, California, on Wednesday, while Jamaica will take on Ecuador in Las Vegas.
The group stage will conclude on June 30, with Mexico playing Ecuador in Glendale, Arizona, and Jamaica facing Venezuela in Austin, Texas.
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