Mexico was watching football again with joy until a hook from the United States came straight to the jaw.
One of those blows that make your hands sweat and your stomach churn.
The Mexican team lost the final of the Nations League against the United States, its uncomfortable neighbor that has taken away all authority in the sport.
The Mexican team was beaten by the little that its rival could show.
It was 0-2, another one in the history of defeats for the Mexicans.
Lozano was left without the player who had brightened his night against Panama, where they won 0-3, last Thursday.
A muscle injury prevented Julián Quiñones from leading the attack.
The Mexican strategist also benched Santiago Giménez, the striker who dazzles at Feyenoord.
Giménez as a substitute left doubts about whether Henry Martín, from América, had a better idea.
Although in the end that bet was left in the list of great mistakes in the Mexican team.
The United States' starting eleven demonstrated great planning in the projection of its young people: they all play in Europe.
In total, 21 players are active in European soccer from the list of 23. On the Mexican side, seven who are active in European soccer plus three on the bench started.
The balance that for decades always leaned on Mexico's side has changed in recent years.
The US youth export plan worked, intensified since in 2018 FIFA awarded the 2026 World Cup to the candidacy of Mexico, the United States and Canada.
On the field, the Mexicans and Americans had a hard time getting hurt.
Those led by Gregg Berhalter had more initiative, although without clarity.
Mexico had trouble getting its wingers, Uriel Antuna and Hirving Lozano, the ball.
The United States team waited for some twist to throw a lucky dart.
Tyler Adams, from Bournemouth in England, found a loose ball and scored a great goal from outside the area to leave Ochoa stretched and without a joke.
In a strange twist of drama, Adams himself left due to injury at halftime.
Things were not pleasant for Mexico in the second half.
Edson Álvarez, the midfield watchman, entered into the dynamic of losing his head: sweeping himself excessively and arguing with everyone.
Lozano, with doubts on the field, did not move the pieces on the board.
And in the 62nd minute the US scored with a goal from Gio Reyna.
With the score 0-2, the Mexican coach sent two creative players like Santi Giménez and Orbelín Pineda onto the field at the most distressing moment.
Giménez wanted to emulate some actor when he faked a penalty in the area, although the VAR revealed his malice.
The game was diluted in Mexican desperation and in the interruptions caused by the infamous cry of “puto” in the stands.
American triumph, rage for the thousands of Mexicans who live in Arlington, Texas.
Soccer, at least since 2020, no longer has a Mexican footprint, it is now American.
Team
USA
won the Nations League in 2020 and 2023. Mexico was excited because last summer it won the Gold Cup, although it did not meet the United States in the tournament.
The defeat will leave more problems in the Mexican Football Federation, which has promoted an attempt to change its entire structure, with Juan Carlos Rodríguez as its president commissioner.
In 2023, Mexico fired Diego Cocca as its coach for losing to the USA 3-0.
Now, the pressure will lead Jaime Lozano to be in the media guillotine.
Meanwhile, the United States has already surpassed Mexico and by a long way on the road to the Copa América and the 2026 World Cup.
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