O Captain! My Captain! Rafael Marquez Shows His Value as Mexico Beat Paraguay

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: May 29, 2016

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A win and a clean sheet. In terms of preparation for the upcoming Copa America Centenario, Mexico’s 1-0 win over Paraguay went pretty much to plan.

El Tri scored a wonderful team goal in the first half to settle a contest that, overall, will not live too long in the memory.

Jesus Duenas’ pass over the top perfectly picked out the run down the right flank by Jurgen Damm, who was able to carry the ball infield, drawing goalkeeper Justo Villar in the process.

Rather than shooting, Damm unselfishly squared the ball to the supporting Andres Guardado, who only had to tap home beyond a defender desperately trying to get back and cover the unguarded net.



The incisive play for the goal wasn’t in keeping with the rest of the game.

However, an international friendly right before a major tournament is always a tricky prospect.

For some, it is a chance to make a late impression before the serious stuff begins.

For those who are already certain of a starting berth and are only concerned with coming through the contest unscathed, it is a case of self-preservation while maintaining match fitness.

As for Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio, the result kept his winning streak going. Since taking charge toward the end of 2015, the Colombian's side has won six on the spin without conceding.

A toothless Paraguay side rarely threatened to end the run of clean sheets.

Reigning Copa champions Chile, who Mexico face in a friendly on Wednesday, should provide a sterner test, and it will be interesting to see whether Osorio continues to employ a back three, as he did against La Albirroja at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

The linchpin in the middle of the defence against Paraguay was Rafael Marquez, a wise old head who has—to put it kindly—had a tricky time of it at Club Atlas.



However, in w...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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