Action from the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship game between Canada (white jersey) and Mexico on January 12, 2015, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. (Photo: Mexsport)
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – After acquiring maximum points from its first two matches, Mexico is looking to continue a run of excellent form at the 2015 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship and capture a third straight title.
The Tricolor has extended its unbeaten streak in the competition to 13 games, including 12 straight wins. By prevailing over Cuba (9-1) and Canada (2-0), it sits atop the Group B table, two points ahead of Honduras, its opponent on Thursday.
Forward Diego Pineda is pleased by the outcomes achieved thus far, but knows that the road to the final remains a long one.
“Thank God, the team worked well,” said Pineda, following the triumph over Canada. “It knew how to control the match and we leave content with the performance and the result that we hoped for. But there are three more games to be able to advance to the final and seek the objective, which is the championship.”
The Club America forward scored Mexico’s in second-half stoppage time against the Canadians, sweeping home off an assist from Erick Aguirre. With a smile, Pineda recounted how the goal was set up.
“It was a moment where the space opened up,” noted the 19-year-old. “They (Canada) had pushed forward and we were able to finish with the counterattack. It was a great pass from my teammate. I was able to score the goal, but it was the effort of everyone.”
Despite a bright start to the competition, Pineda is fully cognizant that Mexico must not succumb to overconfidence in upcoming fixtures.
“We mentally focused ourselves from the start that all of the matches we are going to have to do whatever to get the result and, thank God, he gave us two results,” he finished. “We cannot underestimate any opponent and we expect the best from each team and we will come out with everything.”
Possibly, including, a 13th CONCACAF under-20 crown.
