Mexico and Costa Rica are tied at 0-0 at halftime in their World Cup qualifier, and El Tri’s supporters are not happy. Despite Jose Manuel de la Torre’s massive lineup changes, it’s been more of the same from his team. They’re struggling to create chances while conceding great opportunities on the counter.
Mexico vs. Costa Rica: Halftime score 0-0, Ticos getting the job done
El Tri’s lineup changes have done nothing. It’s 0-0 at halftime, much to the chagrin of Mexico.
Joel Campbell had a brilliant chance just five minutes into the match and almost stunned Mexico by putting his side up early. He beat Gerardo Flores down the flank and got his shot past Jose Corona, but could only find the post.
Mexico had all of the ball after that, with Costa Rica struggling to create chances, though that didn't necessarily indicate that El Tri were the better side. The Ticos, who started with a back five, played very conservatively and only looked to create on the counter. Aldo de Nigris had a couple of shots saved, but nothing terribly threatening.
'Chicharito' Javier Hernandez was given a yellow card in the 31st minute, and in rather hilarious fashion. Costa Rica center back Michael Umaña baited referee Mark Geiger into booking Hernandez with this flop.
Campbell had another brilliant chance in the 37th minute, but Corona came up huge for his side. Campbell looked to have the far post picked out after a layoff from Cristian Bolaños, but the Mexican goalkeeper made an absolutely brilliant stop.
Mexico struggled to create chances late in the half and squandered one in particular. On a four-on-two break, Chicharito decided to take an early shot from 25 yards out that went wide. It was a microcosm of Mexico's 2013. The Azteca faithful don't seem to have very much faith in their team at the moment, as they booed them off the pitch at the halftime whistle.
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