Mexico national team players (pictured) celebrate after scoring in a World Cup qualifier against host Canada on March 25, 2016, in Vancouver. (Photo: Mexsport)
VANCOUVER -- It was a comprehensive performance from Mexico in a 3-0 win over host Canada in a World Cup qualifier on Friday at BC Place and it was the youngsters that really impressed.
After Javier Hernandez gave the visitor a lead, 20-year-old Hirving Lozano netted late in the first half and then 23-year-old Jesus Corona struck in the 72nd minute as the first-place Tricolor improved to 3W-0D-0L in Group A.
“(Lozano) is one of the fastest guys and we wanted to combine one very fast player on the right side and one skillful player on the left side,” said Mexico head coach Juan Carlos Osorio. “Corona shows why we think he’s among the ten best players in that particular position. As far as Mexican wingers, the national team has the pleasure of having four or five players capable of playing at that level.”
Osorio was rightfully in a good mood following a triumph that put his team within striking distance of a spot in the final qualifying round. Another victory against Canada on Tuesday at the Estadio Azteca will seal progression with two games to spare.
Prior to Friday’s encounter, Osorio expressed a great deal of respect for the Canadian program and signaled that a strong performance was necessary to take all the points.
“We won this game with authority, with the thought that we were better than the Canadian team,” the 54-year-old commented. “Nevertheless, we had some rough times during the game, but we found out how to control and to win this particular match. I thought our fullbacks controlled both of their best forwards.”
The result extended Mexico’s unbeaten streak to 16 games, inclusive of CONCACAF Gold Cup and CONCACAF Cup titles. Osorio says that there’s more to come.
"We will make every effort to give opportunity to others,” he finished. “The 24 players want to participate and give to the team. There is a healthy competition to be in the starting 11.”
