Photo by Joe Camporeale/USA Today Sports
It was always going to be difficult getting a result without Luis Suarez, and Uruguay found that to be true on Sunday night in an eventful match against Mexico.
El Tri picked up three points in their 3-1 win over Uruguay at University of Phoenix Stadium behind a pair of late finishes.
Heading into the final quarter hour up 1-0, El Tri faced some adversity when key playmaker Andres Guardado was sent off. Uruguay found an equalizer soon after through defender Diego Godin, but the level scoreline didn’t last long.
Goals from Rafa Marquez and Hector Herrera sealed the victory for Mexico, finishing in the 85th and 92nd minute marks, respectively.
Fiorentina midfielder Matias Vecino had a match he’d surely like to forget on Sunday, conceding an early own goal and later being sent off after picking up two yellow cards in under 20 minutes.
Mexico, currently atop Group C, will meet Jamaica on Thursday, while Uruguay takes on Venezuela that same day.
MAN OF THE MATCH
After last scoring for Mexico two years ago, Rafa Marquez proved to be the difference for El Tri in the second half, scoring the game winner for the CONCACAF nation.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
There were several key moments on Sunday, but none bigger than Rafa Marquez’s finish with five minutes remaining in regulation. His powerful effort from close range gave goalkeeper Fernando Muslera no chance and handed Mexico the lead.
MATCH TO FORGET
An own goal and sending off pretty much summed up the night for both Matias Vecino and Uruguay.
