First half notes

Poor Venezuela gets no respect – the announcer says, “Please stand for the national anthem of the United States” before the one for Venezuala plays. The whole stadium sings along to Mexico’s anthem.

Mexico was all over Venezuela in the 8th minute, and yet somehow managed not to score, thanks to some desperate defending by the Venezuelans.

In the 11^th minute, Kikin Fonseca with a shot, goalie punches out, Temoc had a chance, but hit the side netting instead with the goal completely open.

Mexico looked sharp in the early going, but it had to encourage Venezuela that despite seeing very little of the ball, they had managed to repel Mexico’s attacks.

In the 18^th, Venezuela finally had a counterattack, which gave Ochoa something to do when he easily caught a shot from distance.

Kevin Stott is roundly booed for a yellow given to Gerardo Galindo, but the replay shows it was a good call. Galindo came in hard and late on Ruberth Moran.

So far, at least 70 percent of the game, I’d guess, has been played in Venezuela’s half of the field. Yet the final pass is missing for Mexico.

CK for Mexico. Ramoncito to take.

GK catches.

Another CK for Mexico – Ramoncito again. Earns another CK. Ramon again.

Goal! It had to come. And it’s Guardado! Kick ass. He was fearless against the U.S. and here, he receives the corner kick at the top left of the area and bullets it into the right corner of the net.

He’s an automatic starter for Sanchez now, I’m sure.

Venezuela now reacts with an actual attack. Earns a Ck. Cleared for a throw. Venezuela has a nice run of possession for a while, leading to a shot by Miguel Mea, but it doesn’t really threaten Ochoa.

Mexico back on the attack.

Ck for Mexico, shockingly, Fernando Arce takes it. Cleared. The teams trade possession.

Goal!

On the run, Ramoncito hit a long pass over the defensive line of Venezuela and Arce ran on to it, hit an angled shot from the right side of the goal into the left side netting.

The fans are thrilled. I note that I’ve seen Hugo Sanchez’ first loss as Mexico’s coach, and now, I’m probably watching his first win.

Israel López on for Gerardo Galindo. Could be because of the yellow – could be he’s injured.

Now Guardado gets a yellow for a tackle on José Javier Villafraz.

Arce with the give and go in the box gets a great chance at goal, but can’t put it on frame.

It's a good half by Mexico, they'll likely cruise to victory.