Mexico sweep past El Salvador in 2017 Gold Cup debut

Mexico opened their 2017 Gold Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over El Salvador on Sunday.

Juan Carlos Osorio’s side had been strongly criticised after their display at last month’s Confederations Cup, but new tournament, new team, as it didn’t take long for El Tri to take the lead in the opening 10 minutes. A set-piece from Elias Hernandez was headed in by Chivas defender Hedgardo Marin to fire Mexico into the lead.

But Mexico’s joy was short-lived, and moments later, a Rodolfo Zelaya through ball finished with Nelson Bonilla blasting the ball past Jose de Jesus Corona to put things even at one.

As the game entered the half-hour mark, Mexico retook the lead when a threaded cross from Jesus Gallardo was fired in superbly by Elias Hernandez.

In the second half, El Salvador were struggling to match the intensity they had produced before the break, and El Tri took full advantage by grabbing a third. After a low cross from Elias Hernandez was mishandled by the keeper, Orbelin Pineda was there to score on an empty net.

Mexico continued to press as the game entered its final moments, but the game turned rather routine for El Tri, who eventually took home a comfortable three points from their first game.

Next, El Tri travel to Sports Authority Field in Denver to take on Jamaica.