Disappointment for El Tri fans as their side were brought crashing down from the highs of their 6-0 thrashing of Cuba in their opener as Guatemala did not prove such obliging opposition. Los Chapines playing the last 15 minutes a man down held Mexico to a goalless draw. El Tri huffed and puffed with 80% of the possession as Guatemala played park the bus and slowed down their opponents flow by committing 24 fouls and drawing four bookings. The Mexicans could be rightly aggrieved the referee declined to award a penalty the 16th minute when Oribe Peralta was obstructed by Jose Contreras throwing up an arm to block a cross. On another occasion Paul Aguilar was clearly held by Moises Hernandez after the ball came loose following a corner.
Paulo Motta, Los Chapines goalie also came up with some fine saves, particularly one off Andres Guardado sliding over to deny a first time shot after Peralta’s cross found the captain lurking at the far post. In the 76th minute, Contreras picked up his second yellow within minutes of his first for a late foul on Aguilar and had to leave. Mexico came close again in the 87th minute when Carlos Esquivel’s shot from 20 yards out caromed off the crossbar.
El Tri now face Group C leaders Trinidad and Tobago who recorded their second win beating Cuba. The Mexicans need to win to top the group or draw to ensure progress into the quarterfinals. This draw also preserved Los Chapines race to qualify as the one of the two best third place finishers. They now face bottom dwellers Cuba facing a massively adverse goal differential but still in with a pulse. Both need a win.