Despite the doping scandal that sent five of their players home, Mexico has done exactly what was expected of them tonight, defeating Cuba by a score of 5-0 as they put on an absolute clinic in the second half. They were a bit shaky to start the game, but 'Chicharito Javier Hernandez scored near the end of the second half, settling the team down and getting them int a rhythm, just like the El Salvador match. The floodgates opened in the second half as they absolutely assaulted the Cuba goal, and they now lead Group A in Gold Cup following Costa Rica's draw earlier this evening.
Mexico Vs. Cuba, Gold Cup (Copa Oro) 2011: Final Score, El Tri Wins 5-0 As Giovani Dos Santos, ‘Chicharito’ Javier Hernandez Shine
Both Chicharito and Giovani dos Santos scored a brace, with substitute striker Aldo de Nigris providing the other goal. Angel Reyna and Pablo Barrera, though they did not score, did plenty to contribute to Mexico’s attack as well, as they looked downright lethal for the final 60 minutes of the match.
Two straight slow starts will be a mild area of concern for Jose Manuel de la Torre going into his team’s game against Costa Rica, a much better team than their first two opponents, but he will be comforted by the knowledge that his team is absolutely unstoppable once they take a lead.
Both Mexico and Costa Rica control their own destiny on Sunday, as either team can win the group if they take all three points from the match. Mexico will learn tomorrow whether or not they will be allowed to call in replacements for their banned players, and therefore, fill out a complete bench.
For more information on the Mexico Vs. Cuba game, the 2011 Gold Cup (Copa Oro), and Mexican football in general, check out SB Nation’s Mexican football blog FMF State Of Mind.
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