3 things we learned from Mexico’s 0-0 draw with Bolivia in Copa America

El Tri aren’t out of Copa America, but they have a lot of work left to do. They were poor in their opener, drawing Bolivia 0-0. Because Bolivia were arguably the weakest team in Group A, Mexico are in some trouble, and will not be favorites to advance.

Mexico created very little in the first half, with Bolivia generating the best two chances. Ricardo Pedriel hit the post in the 20th minute and Jesus Corona was forced into a brilliant save at the end of the half by Jhasmani Campos, who unleashed a shot from 25 yards.

The second half started better for Mexico, and “Tecatito” Jesus Corona should have scored in the 49th minute, but pushed a good chance wide from inside the box. Around the hour mark, El Tri changed to a 4-4-2, and they were much more dangerous for the rest of the game. Substitute Raul Jimenez nearly headed in a goal in the 67th minute, but couldn’t connect well.

Another substitute, Javier Aquino, looked to win a penalty for a foul by Alejandro Morales in the 79th minute, but the referee didn’t give it. Four minutes later, Matias Vuoso had a great chance to fire his team to victory, but had his shot blocked from eight yards.

Mexico kept the pressure on through the end of the match, but couldn’t find their winner.

Bolivia: Quiñonez, Morales, Zenteno, Raldes, Hurtado, Smedberg-Dalance, D. Bejarano, Chumacero, Pedriel (M. Bejarano 85’), Campos (Escobar 71’), Moreno

1. Tecatito is this team’s most dangerous player - There wasn’t much creativity, flair, drive ... anything positive from Mexico. The only player who looked like doing anything notable was Tecatito, who continues to look like he’ll be an important player for El Tri going forward. Expect him to get looks in World Cup qualifying if he continues to play well for Twente.

2. But he doesn’t fit the 3-5-2 - Despite that, he wasn’t terrific in the first half. He might have been the least offensive of Mexico’s attack-minded players, but their midfield was often a bit broken because he wanted to drift wide. Miguel Herrera is playing him as his most advanced midfielder in a 3-5-2, but he wants to be a winger. He was good out wide in a 4-4-2 though -- maybe Mexico should start their next game with it?

3. Mexico are in a bad spot - To have a good chance to finish second in their group, Mexico needed a win in this game. They’ll still advance as one of the best third-placed teams if they beat Ecuador, but this tournament’s other Tricolor gave Chile a decent match in their first game. On the evidence of this performance, Mexico won’t beat them.