Mexico Edges out Cameroon and Referees

Oct 30, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Mexico midfielder Jesus Alonso Escoboza (17) celebrates with forward Oribe Peralta (19) after a goal during the second half against Finland at Qualcomm Stadium. Mexico won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Despite seeing two goals disallowed by the referees, Mexico fought their way to a well-deserved victory, beating Cameroon 1-0. In the 61st minute, Giovani Dos Santos received a brilliant pass up the middle from Hector Herrera, but saw his shot get deflected by the keeper. Peralta, who was trailing Dos Santos, caught the rebound and slotted in the only goal of the match.

Before Peralta scored the opening goal, Dos Santos thought he had the opener in the 11th minute when he tapped in a cross with the side of his foot for goal. Unfortunately, the goal was controversially ruled offside even though Dos Santos was behind the line the moment the pass was launched.

Dos Santos got unlucky again before the break after heading a corner kick that deflected off Maxim Choupo-Moting’s head into the net. The referee ruled it offside again, citing that the ball deflected off Herrera who was in front of the line.

Cameroon nearly tied the match when Benoit Assou-Ekotto crossed the ball to Benjamin Moukandjo. Moukandjo hit a header to the left of goal, but Guillermo Ochoa made a full-extended dive for a brilliant save.

El Tri almost doubled their lead when Miguel Layun crossed a pass to an unmarked Javier Hernandez, but the Manchester United man’s volley went way over the bar.

Despite the narrow scoreline, Mexico controlled the game throughout the match, keeping possession with a collection of smart passes and exposing holes in Cameroon’s defense. Oribe Peralta remained a threat in the box throughout the match while Giovani Dos Santos constantly worked to keep the Cameroonian defense on their feet. Marquez showed his veteran savvy by keeping Mexican backline composed and in control, preventing Cameroon from clear counter-attacking chances, although he looked suspect on set pieces.

Cameroon on the other hand looked threatening in the box, but their chances at goal were rare and few. The lack of creative midfielders who can make crisp passes and possess a soft touch proved to be critical for Cameroon as Les Liones Indomptables could only make a break from the wings.

Mexico will face Brazil on June 17 while Cameroon will play Croatia the following day.

Tweets of the Match

Man of the Match

Giovani Dos Santos was a complete player today as he was a constant threat in the box. His pace and hustle won him opportunities to play the ball right outside the box and make key runs or passes that could have led to goals. He should have had two goals under his name, but the fact that he contributed to Peralta’s finisher should leave him satisfied.

Player Ratings

Mexico

Guillermo Ochoa 7.0 – He didn’t have much to work with, but that brilliant save on Moudkandjo’s header merited his selection over Jesus Corona.

Francisco Rodriguez 7.5 – Served as a solid veteran leader in the backline and served as a strong anchoring presence. Lack of athleticism was exposed, but didn’t suffer any consequences from it.

Rafael Marquez 7.5 – Ventured out a lot to help on the attack and connected well with the fullbacks. Did a great job in pushing the ball forward, but he likely won’t have this freedom against Brazil.

Hector Moreno 7.0 – Yellow card mars him from earning a better rating, but he did make a crucial block on Eto’o’s shot.

Miguel Layun 7.0 – Dangerous on the flanks but needs to improve the final pass

Paul Aguilar 7.5 – Made great deliveries from the flank

Andres Guardado 6.0 – looked lost at the center midfield position, but he worked hard nonetheless.

Juan Jose Vazquez 7.0 – did a solid job in place of the injured Luis Montes. Gave the opposing midfielders problems with his off-ball runs and did a solid job disrupting the opposing attack.

Hector Herrera 7.5 – His creativity was on full display, including that crucial pass to Dos Santos that led to Peralta’s goal.

Giovani Dos Santos 8.5 – The only thing holding him back from a 9.5 was a goal.

Oribe Peralta 8.0 – Played intelligently in the box as he proved to be a constant threat.

Substitutes

Marco Fabian 7.0 – brought the creative spark in the final 20 minutes that Guardado failed to provide.

Chicharito 6.5 – should have finished that cross by Layun. Has been playing more like Javier Hernandez than Chicharito.

Cameroon

Charles Itandje 5.5 – He would’ve been caught conceding three goals instead of one.

Cedric Djeugoue 4.0 – was constantly exposed by Layun and was lucky Layun lacked a final touch

Aurelian Chedjou 5.0 – Fortunate to not have conceded a penalty after a poor challenge on Dos Santos.

Nicolas N’koulou 6.0 – the only bright spot of the Cameroon defense.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto 5.5 – despite the brilliant cross to Moukandjo, the left-back was constantly exposed.

Stephane M’Bia 5.5 – Lackluster defense despite some decent plays on offense

Eyong Enoh 4.0 – Was invisible

Alex Song 5.0 – Looked awkward on the offensive end

Benjamin Moukandjo 4.0 – Can’t cross, can’t hold the ball, can’t get a first touch. He was an automatic turnover.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting 4.5 – Looked better than Moukandjo but couldn’t shake off Aguilar

Samuel Eto’o 4.0 – His age showed.

Substitutes

Dany Neunkeu 5.0 – Did a better job than Djeugoue