Hugo Sanchez’s men on Sunday showed that Mexico’s 2-0 victory over defending Copa America champ Brazil in its opening game was no fluke with a 6-0 demolition of Paraguay — a team regarded by many as the third-best in South America. Indeed, a comprehensive series of performances at this year’s championship has left sportswriters across America wondering, where was this Mexico at the Gold Cup? No matter, says SI.com’s Luis Bueno: “Suddenly, the Gold Cup letdown is fading into the distance.”
Which would you rather have: a place in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup or a Copa America title? Bob Bradley answered that question in sending an inexperienced U.S. squad to Venezuela. Mexico, on the other hand, has always honored its invitation to the South American championship by sending over a strong team. In fact, Bueno points out that the only team on the continent El Tri has never beaten is … Bolivia.
Sunday’s quarterfinal against Paraguay, which always looked beatable against the United States, was “a confidence-building 87-minute goal fest” for Mexico. It helps that the Paraguayans were reduced to 10 minute just three minutes into the match, but few would argue Mexico wouldn’t prevail if both sides had 11 men. Meanwhile, newcomer Nery Castillo is emerging into something of a superstar. He was a menace against the U.S. in the Gold Cup final, and no one has yet been able to contain the Olympiakos striker. Argentina’s back four, which conceded three goals in its first two games, will certainly have its hand full when Mexico and Argentina face off in Wednesday’s semi-final. The way the Tricolores are gelling at the moment, an upset wouldn’t be completely unexpected, either.