HOUSTON, Texas – A second half goal from Gerardo Arteaga condemned Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz to a 1-0 defeat to Mexico, in their opening game of the Copa America here Saturday night.
West Ham striker Michail Antonio scored a goal which was disallowed for off-side.Following a goalless first half at the NRG Stadium, the 25-year-old Arteaga drilled in a low volley from the top of the box to put Mexico ahead in the 69th minute and Jamaica failed to find the equaliser in the time remaining.
West Ham striker Michail Antonio thought he had put Jamaica ahead in the 52nd minute when he headed home from close range but the goal was ruled out for off-side after VAR intervened.
“I thought the game was entertaining, there were a lot of actions in it,” said Jamaica head coach, Heimir Hallgrímsson.
“First half, as expected, Mexico had more of the ball but I think we created some really good chances in counterattacks, setpieces etc, and at half-time I think we were quite happy with how we played.
“Second half, we started well again, scored the goal – a fraction off-side – I’ve seen it again and it was correct.
“Then maybe a 10, 15 minute chapter in the game when they scored the goal, we were really struggling. I don’t know why.
“We dropped too deep so we never could defend the second ball which came out and the goal came exactly from that moment.”
Jamaica were forced to repel a wave of early attacks and needed goalkeeper Jahmali Waite’s athleticism to keep them from falling behind inside the first five minutes of the Group B contest.
His third minute save was one of eight by Waite in the game as Jamaica were forced to defend for long periods, in order to keep Mexico’s attackers at bay.
Antonio forced a save out of goalkeeper Julio González in the 38th minute but it was the Caribbean side who found themselves pinned down in the last five minutes of the half by wave after wave of Mexican attacks.
In the first minute after the resumption, Kasey Palmer brought a save out of González before Antonio eluded his marker at the far post to head home firmly, only for the goal to be chalked off.
Mexico’s efforts finally paid off when Luis Romo collected a loose ball and laid off for Arteaga to finish with aplomb.
