PASADENA, California. – Mexico's 2-0 victory over Jamaica was enough to get them through to the quarterfinals of the Copa America Centenario, but it did not meet everyone’s expectations.
The overall performance of El Tri left doubts and raised many questions for several players, including captain Rafael Marquez.
The veteran defender praised the result, however, he did admit the team had many flaws in defense, and that powerful performance shown in the opening game versus Uruguay was missed.
"The important thing is that we are in the next round, but we are not quite happy with our performance tonight," said Marquez.
"We faced a rival that was faster than us, and that complicated us. They played the ball by error in the area and at times it was difficult for us to manage. We need to continue improving, and get a better performance against Venezuela, " he added.
Marquez believes that Mexico has what it takes to play games at a higher level, and finish them off without suffering as much as happened with the Jamaicans, a team that created many chances and suffocated El Tri’s defense with speed.
"The points give us the security of being in the next round, but right now we have to think on how to get better and win our next game.”
Venezuela is Mexico’s final rival in the group stage, with the two teams meeting in Houston on Monday (8 pm ET; FS1, Univision, UDN). Mexico will seek to secure the first spot in their group in order to face the second place in Group D, and in all likelihood avoiding a vaunted Argentina side.
La Vinotinto are the surprise package so far in Copa America after getting two straight wins against Jamaica and Uruguay, a performance that does not quite surprise Marquez.
"[Venezuela] is a good team. They are very well trained and have very good players," he noted.
As for the rival they expect in quarterfinals, Rafa said there is no real preference for an opponent in the next round, as they have to be prepared for any rival they end up facing.
"First you have to get the win against Venezuela and then think about the quarterfinal opponent."
