MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM
Diego Lainez sparks Mexico’s win against Panama
The Mexican Olympic squad played a warm-up game against Panama prior to the start of the Tokyo tournament and Lainez was the spark in his teams’ victory.
The boss of the Mexico Olympic team, Jaime Lozano, has until 2 July to announce the final 22-player roster for the Tokyo tournament this month. So the exhibition match against Panama was very important to see which players will be participating in the Olympic Games in mid-July.
Diego Lainez the Man of the Match
The Real Betis playmaker started against the CONCACAF side and scored the game's opener in the 20th minute. Luis Romo gave a 30-yard pass to Diego Lainez, who was able to control the ball and as he entered the box, he used his left foot to find the back of the net.
Before the break, Mexico defender Johan Vazquez’ header went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands as both teams made their way to their respective locker rooms. There was little change to the pattern in the second half, and in the 57th minute César Montes headed the ball to make it two-nil.
Panama seemed frustrated during the entire match, because of the high pressure from the players from the Mexico national team. Henry Martín scored the last goal in stoppage time to make it 3-0 in favor of El Tri. The important thing for Lozano is that his players were able to score goals, something they were lacking in previous games.
This was the last preparation match for Mexico’s Olympic squad prior to the start of the tournament next month. The final 22-player roster will be announced after 2 July, but it has been confirmed that Guillermo Ochoa, Henry Martín and Luis Romo will be the three players above the age of 23 to participate.