By Rania Elhilali.
Canada rallied hard and well to tie with Mexico in what was a stellar performance from John Herdman’s side, taking away a huge point from Thursday night’s match at the Estadio Azteca.
The visitors started the match well, controlling the midfield and pressing Mexico’s defence and goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochoa.
But it was Mexico who, in the 21st minute, managed to get on the score sheet first.
A ball over the top from Hirving Lozano found the touch of Club America’s Jorge Sanchez who then buried the ball in the net through the legs of Maxime Crepeau, giving the home side an early lead.
In the final minutes before the halftime whistle was blown, the Reds levelled it courtesy of a wonderful pass by Alphonso Davies to Jonathan Osorio.
The Toronto FC man who was running through the middle on the counter, and took one touch before slotting into it into the net past Ochoa.
The goal was Canada’s first at Azteca since 1980 and, as Osorio put it after the match: “It was just pure joy”.
OSORIO REACTION to his goal:
"It was just pure joy."#CANMNT #WCQ pic.twitter.com/HIUrmuiwZ5
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) October 8, 2021
The second half began with both sides searching for a breakthrough but neither were able to find it.
Instead, the second half was filled with spectacular defensive clearances from Les Rouges players Tajon Buchanan and Steven Vitoria.
Coach Herdman commented after the game, summing up his overall thoughts when he said: “We’re content but not happy. It could have been three points.”
HERDMAN REACTION:
"We're content but not happy. It could have been three points."#CANMNT #WCQ pic.twitter.com/qvfepfGuPE
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) October 8, 2021
Herdman and Canada will now be looking for all three points on Sunday when they take on Jamaica as they push to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.