By Marc Serber
Chile’s enthralling 3-3 draw with Mexico showcased the best of each country, even if the defending left a bit to be desired.
Chile’s flowing movement and combination play was mesmerizing at times and perhaps best illustrated by the two goals that were controversially ruled for offsides.
It was also brought to the fore just after the half hour mark when Jorge Valdivia slipped a through-ball for a forward that the Mexican defense was able to scramble clear. The outcome means the play won’t be remembered, but in truth, it was a pass that 98% of viewers around the world didn’t even know was on.
Valdivia was at the heart of almost every sweeping Chile move while two goal hero, Arturo Vidal, Eduardo Vargas, Charles Aranguiz, et al. moved seamlessly off him.
Running off the ball is perhaps the games most important and yet unrecognized skill. Look for it in teams like Barcalona and Chile and you will come to appreciate it as much as a cracking volley.
While held to just a point, the joy of watching Chile is that La Roja always look on the verge of finding the combination to unlock the opposing defense.
If anything, they can become a bit too confident in their own abilities. Smart passing and movement gives way to unnecessary tricks and flicks. Vidal needlessly conceded possession trying an audacious move in the games early moments.
This proved to be Chile’s downfall on the first goal as a back-heel gave the ball to Mexico on the midfield stripe. El Tri responded by opening the scoring through Matias Vuoso after just four passes.
For Mexico, there should never be talk of a “B” squad. While this is a side made up mainly of youngsters and fringe players rather than the superstars that is expected (within the Mexican boarders at least) to win every time they step on the field, any team wearing the famous green jersey will battle to the death.
Just as the Stars and Stripes are known for having “The USA mentality” of never giving up. Any Mexican player who gets the honor of playing for the crest plays with a mixture of grit and determination, dashed with sprinkle of style and (sometimes) a pinch of composure. A rare ingredient to find when the shirt evokes such emotions and passion.
For the majority of its clash with the host nation, Mexico pressured high, did its best to stay compact, were smart and composed in possession and picked its moments to nip in and ultimately nicked two points off the hosts.
Six goals (with the teams trading the first two just a minute and twenty-five seconds apart), two perfectly measured headers, and teams with contrasting styles ultimately cancelled each other out.
While helped a bit by the assistant referees, Mexico’s response against Chile was the perfect riposte against its critics.
The draw, coupled with Bolivia’s shock win over Ecuador and Paraguay’s stunning comeback to grab a point against Argentina means that the oft used saying, “when it comes to the Copa America, expect the unexpected,” is more than just a cliche to entice the casual viewer. This year, at least, the moniker is holding true.
If you needed a reason to watch the Copa America, you certainly have one now.
