Copa America is becoming the tournament of underdogs. Bolivia drew with Argentina, Venezuela drew with Brazil, Peru drew with Uruguay and now at halftime, Mexicos' under-22 team leads Chile, 1-0. Nestor Araujo scored five minutes before the break to put El Tri on top and set the stage for yet another shocking result from South America's championships.
Copa America 2011, Mexico Vs. Chile: El Tri Hold Surprising Halftime Lead
Chile has been the better team in the first half and on almost any other day would probably be leading considering their few chances were for their two best players, Alexis Sanchez and Humberto Suazo. One time Sanchez was played in beautiful passing sequence and had just the goalkeeper to beat, but Luis Michael closed him down well and Sanchez's shot rolled wide of the goal. Later on, Sanchez got in alone, but the ball was bouncing and his half volley skied over the crossbar.
More possession and more half chances came for Chile, but nothing else really clear. Then in the 40th minute, Mexico flipped the match. With a free kick in the attacking third they played a good ball right into the center of the box. Three players all went up for the ball and it was knocked on towards the back post where Araujo was waiting, awful mullet and all. Araujo nodded the ball back across the goal and in for a goal that put them in front.
As much as Chile wants to knock the ball around, at some point they’ll have to turn that into chances. Mexico may be playing a young team, but they are strong at the back and chasing a goal against them isn’t an enviable position. Nonetheless, it is one that Chile is in with just 45 minutes remaining.
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