A festival of goals and a message of safety
Armando ‘La Hormiga’ González was the great figure. In just three minutes, he first assisted Richard Ledezma and then scored himself. This is how Mexico unleashed its 4-0 win over Iceland this Wednesday in Querétaro.
Jesús Gallardo and Brian Gutiérrez completed the account. It was the third consecutive victory for the team led by Javier Aguirre. And the most special thing: Ledezma, González and Gutiérrez scored their first goals with the senior team.
“I’m excited about the goal. I’m sure there are many more to come,” González said after the game. “I will continue working to continue scoring more goals.”
The fight for the World Cup is ready
The Chivas forward, scoring champion of the last tournament, knows that nothing is guaranteed. His position as third center forward for the World Cup is disputed with Germán Berterame.
“I know what I can do, grow and improve,” he said humbly. “It’s day by day, nothing is written, I don’t have my safe place, but I will do what depends on me.”
Aguirre used this match, like the previous ones against Panama and Bolivia, to observe players from the local league. For the March friendlies against Portugal and Belgium he will already call up the base that will face South Africa in the World Cup debut.
A match marked by security
The shadow of the recent violent events in the country was present. The authorities deployed an unprecedented operation with six security rings around the La Corregidora stadium.
National Guard, Army, state and municipal police patrolled the area on the ground and in the air. The message was clear: protect players and fans at all costs.
Before the opening whistle there was an emotional tribute to the troops who died in security duties over the weekend.
This is how the goals were experienced
- At 22′: González controls inside the area, cuts to a defender and crosses for Ledezma to head home.
- At 24′: Gallardo sends a cross from the left, there is a detour and ‘La Hormiga’ appears alone to push home.
- At 59′: From a corner kick, Alexis Gutiérrez assists Gallardo who heads to the far post.
- At 90′: Brian Gutiérrez steals the ball in midfield, advances alone and finishes with a low left foot shot.
Iceland had their clear chance early on when Ágúst Orri Þorsteinsson took advantage of a defensive error, but Raúl Rangel responded with a spectacular save to keep a clean sheet.
A resounding victory that raises morale and gives arguments to several players. The ‘Ant’ once again stung where it hurts most: on the scoreboard.
