Mexico had to settle for a frustrating 0-0 draw in their Group A clash with Bolivia as captain Rafael Márquez limped out of the action in the second half.
The veteran defender, selected to marshall Miguel Herrera’s much-changed squad as the head coach juggles Gold Cup and Copa América demands, was replaced in the 64th minute of the clash at Viña del Mar’s Estadio Sausalito.Mexico had the arguably better chances in a contest which rarely sparkled, Jesús Manuel Corona lashing off target in the second period after being set up by Vicente Vuoso and Raúl Jiménez glancing a header narrowly wide.
Bolivia’s Jhasmani Campos saw a superb long-range effort turned away by keeper Jesús Corona in the first half, with the resulting corner headed wide at the far post by Ronald Raldes, while Marcelo Martins Moreno also struck the post.
Mexico attacker Corona was particularly lively early on, as Herrera’s men made a bright start.
A decent chance fell for Juan Carlos Medina in the 12th minute as he sliced an effort wide from 20 yards.
Mexico started well, yet Bolivia went closest to opening the scoring in the first half.
A cross from Ricardo Pedriel was met at the near post by Moreno, but he was denied by the woodwork in the 15th minute.
Just before the break and it was again Bolivia who threatened as Campos’ swerving 25-yard strike was punched away by goalkeeper Corona.
Substitute Jiménez missed Mexico’s best chance in the 66th minute, moments after coming on.
The excellent Corona tricked his way past his marker down the left before crossing to Jiménez, but the Atletico Madrid forward put his free header wide.
Mexico appealed for a penalty in the 79th minute as Javier Aquino burst into the area before going to ground despite there appearing to be no contact from Leonel Morales.
Vuoso then had a close-range shot blocked as Mexico were forced to settle for a point, with host nation Chile their next opponents, while Bolivia are up against Ecuador.
Bron: ca2015.com
