Copa America: Frustrating draw a bitter pill for Mexico: Herrera

Coach left disappointed at his side’s inability to break down Bolivia


Afp June 13, 2015
Mexico have rested the likes of Hernandez, Vela and dos Santos for the upcoming Gold Cup and the lack of cutting edge up front showed against Bolivia. PHOTO: AFP

VINA DEL MAR: Mexico coach Miguel Herrera watched in frustration and anger as his side failed to break down minnows Bolivia in a Copa America encounter that ended in a goalless draw on Friday.

Herrera called the 0-0 result a “bitter pill”.

But he was lucky his side did not concede a killer goal in game that left hosts Chile in charge of Group A after their 2-0 win over Ecuador on the opening day of the South American championship.

Herrera chided his side — weakened by the absence of star players such as Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, Carlos Vela and Giovani dos Santos — from the touchline as they failed to break down the world 89th ranked Bolivians.

He also erupted at Paraguayan referee Enrique Caceres for not awarding a penalty when Javier Aquino, Mexico’s most effective player, appeared to be brought down in the 79th minute.

Herrera brought a weakened squad to the Copa America as he is saving energy for the Gold Cup in the United States next month but still insists that Mexico, 29th in the FIFA rankings, are in Chile to win games.

“If you come to a tournament like the Copa America you have to go out and win so this result was a bitter pill as we wanted three points,” said Herrera. “We had the chances but did not take them and when that happens it is not a good performance.”

The 47-year-old knows that they must now win in order to keep their qualification hopes alive and called Mexico’s game against Chile in Santiago on Monday ‘a final’.

With each team having played a game, Chile lead Group A on three points, Bolivia and Mexico follow on one point while Ecuador are bottom with no points.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14th, 2015.

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