Copa America review: 3 takeaways from Chile’s 3-3 draw with Mexico

Following a brilliantly entertaining between Bolivia and Ecuador, Mexico and Chile continued in that vein with a six goal thriller; eventually ending 3-3 despite two contentiously disallowed goals from Chile. While this is a disappointing and surprising result for the host nation, it still means a victory over Bolivia in their final group game would see them top the group; theoretically dodging some of the bigger guns until later in the tournament. However, a win in this match would have sealed qualification, and may have meant the likes of Arturo Vidal rest for the final game (though his entire tournament was almost in jeopardy following a DUI incident).

For Mexico, this game and its result were vital on two grounds. Firstly, it demonstrated that even without several key figures this side does have a cutting edge; and secondly it now means that a win in their final group game against Ecuador, who are currently suffering an identity and confidence crisis, would give them an excellent chance of getting to the quarters.

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The game itself was a topsy-turvy affair; with veteran striker Matias Vuoso and Raul Jimenez putting El Tri ahead in the first half, only to be pegged back, first by Vidal then Eduardo Vargas. At the start of the second half, Vidal scored again to give Chile their first lead of the game before Vuoso levelled once again at 3-3; the goal itself sandwiched by the two disallowed Chile efforts that could come back to bite the hosts.

Vidal and Jorge Valdivia a potent combination: By now, Vidal is widely recognised as one of the best central midfielders in the world by just about anyone who watches the sport; his range of skills, indefatigable work rate and excellent technique mean that he can excel in any role and will fit into any system or style of play. Indeed, he was at his superb best against Mexico, constantly harassing opponents when they had the ball, and providing two goals and a fantastic assist for Vargas.

In many ways though, this is what was expected of Champions League finalist, what may not have been so easily foreseeable was the increased role, and influence, of Valdivia. Having started the first game; performing well, he excelled again against Mexico, unfurling his full repertoire of subtle passes and flicks. At his best, the mercurial playmaker can be the attacking hub of a team, keeping the ball moving while also providing a cutting edge with his laser-guided vision and passing. He has formed a good relationship with Vidal in the first two game, and with his passing and Vidal’s running of the ball, that’s an exciting prospects.
Chile’s defensive reshuffle comes unstuck: After a first game in which Chile didn’t concede but did look vulnerable at times, particularly out wide, where Mauricio Isla and Jean Beausajour looked especially shaky. Isla kept his place against Mexico, most likely because of his work going forward and linking with Alexis Sanchez. On the other side, Marcelo Diaz replace Beausajour, however, that ploy didn’t work (making it one of the first missteps made by Head Coach Jorge SampaolI), with Diaz’s lack of speed exposed by Mexico’s pacy young attackers. Beside him Miiko Albornoz; also newly entered into the starting XI, was equally poor, as he was caught out of position multiple times. Going forward this looks like being Sampaoli’s biggest issue.

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Tecatito gets some support going forward:

Mexico’s first game was plagued by disjointed attacking play and poor final balls into the box; they made 31 crosses (per infogram), with most being largely ineffective. The bright light was FC Twente’s Tecatito, whose close control and quick feet shone through, however, against Chile he got support from Juan Medina and Adrian Aldrete, who were both key in Mexico goals. The winger/attacking midfielder himself was once again a hub of activity and creativity, and has smartly been given plenty of freedom to roam by Miguel Herrera.