(Getty)
Final Score
Mexico 1-2 3
Uruguay 0-1 1
Box Score
Mexico looked resilient in their Copa America opener, fending off a late Uruguay goal to win their opening match of the tournament.
Everything about the first half went wrong for Uruguay. It started before kickoff, when University of Phoenix Stadium mistakenly played the Chilean national anthem instead of Uruguay’s. Bad became worse four minutes into the match, when Alvaro Pereira committed the earliest own goal in Copa America history.
Just before halftime, Uruguay’s Matías Vecino picked up two yellow cards in quick succession. He was off, and it looked like Mexico would cruise to victory.
The match was turned sideways in the 74th minute, after Andres Guardado was shown a red card, erasing Mexico’s advantage. It got worse for El Tri moments later, as Diego Godin slammed a header past Talavera to tie the score heading into the final leg of the match.
When Mexico needed to be picked up, they called on their captain. Rafa Marquez, the oldest player on the field Sunday night, blasted a goal to put Mexico back in front. El Tri controlled from then on, capping the performance with an open net goal from Hector Herrera.
These teams will resume action June 9th, when Mexico take on Jamaica in a rematch of the 2015 Gold Cup final and Uruguay take on Venezuela.
Scroll down for full match highlights:
Herrera Put Mexico Ahead For Good in Extra Time
Mexico went ahead for good in extra time, as Hector Herrera headed in a wide-open attempt to clinch the win for Mexico. Herrera forced the own goal in the opening minutes, but got his own after El Tri dominated possession in the final minutes.
Mexico Answers Back With a Blast From Rafa Marquez
Don’t ask why the 37-year old Marquez is still on Mexico’s roster, just take a look. The center back is in perfect position inside Uruguay’s box, and roofs a shot past the keeper to put Mexico ahead.
Uruguay’s Instant Turnaround Came 74 Minutes In
After Mexico looked to take control in the final 20 minutes, everything slipped away. First it was the man advantage, as Andres Guardado received a curious second yellow card to even the match at 10 men apiece.
On the ensuing free kick, Diego Godín banged a header past Talavera, equalizing for Uruguay. Everything is even for the final 15 minutes.
How quickly a match can turn. Guardado sees red for #ElTri. Godin equalizes for Uruguay. 1-1! #MEXvURU #CopaAmerica
Uruguay End The First Half With 10 Men
RED CARD, Uruguay! La Celeste is down to 10 as Vecino is shown his second yellow. #MEXvURU #MyCopaColors
Things go from bad to worse for Uruguay, as Matías Vecino quickly picks up two yellow cards and is sent off. Vecino’s second foul came just minutes before the break, forcing Uruguay to adjust going into the second half.
Dream Start For Mexico
Mexico get on the board inside five minutes, after a ball intended for Guardado in the box was headed into goal by Álvaro Pereira of Uruguay.