Copa America 2024 Group Stage
23 June, 2024 - Indian Date
NRG Stadium
MATCH TIMES
India
06:30 AM
UAE
05:00 AM
Saudi Arabia
04:00 AM
MATCH LIVE INFO
Mexico possible starting lineup: J Gonzalez; J Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Arteaga; E Sanchez, Alvarez, Chavez; Antuna, Gimenez, Vega
Jamaica possible starting lineup: Blake; Lowe, Hector, Bernard; Latibeaudiere, Palmer, Johnson, Anderson; Decordova-Reid, Antonio, Nicholson
Match Preview
As Jamaica and Mexico prepare to kick off their Group B campaign in the Copa America, both teams bring distinct histories and current forms to the pitch.
Jamaica
Jamaica enters their third Copa America finals with a renewed sense of optimism. Despite not having won or earned a point in their previous appearances in 2015 and 2016, the team has shown promise leading up to this tournament. They qualified through the CONCACAF Nations League, notably defeating Canada in the quarter-finals. Their recent form has been impressive, with three consecutive friendly wins against Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Dominica.
The squad will miss Leon Bailey but features strong players like Michail Antonio from West Ham United and former Premier League player Demarai Gray. Shamar Nicholson, with 19 international goals, is expected to lead the attack alongside Antonio and Bobby Decordova-Reid.
Mexico
Mexico has a storied history in the Copa America, with their best performance being runners-up in 1993. They have reached the semi-finals in 1997, 1999, and 2007. This year marks their return to the competition since 2016, when they were eliminated in the quarter-finals. However, their recent form has been shaky, with three losses in their last four matches, including defeats to Uruguay, Brazil, and the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League final. Their 2022 World Cup performance was also disappointing, as they failed to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 1990.
The team will rely on Santiago Gimenez, who had an impressive season with Feyenoord, to lead the attack. Edson Alvarez will captain the squad, with notable players like Cesar Montes and Jorge Sanchez in defense, and Uriel Antuna as a key goalscorer.
Match Context
Key players for Jamaica will be Michail Antonio and Shamar Nicholson, who are expected to drive the attack. For Mexico, Santiago Gimenez and Edson Alvarez are crucial for their offensive and midfield stability, respectively.
Historically, Jamaica last defeated Mexico in a friendly in July 2017, but Mexico has dominated the recent encounters, including a 3-0 victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup in July 2023.
Outlook
Jamaica aims to secure their first Copa America win, leveraging their recent form and attacking talent. Mexico, despite their recent struggles, will rely on their experience and individual brilliance to start their campaign with a victory. This opening match is critical for both teams and could set the tone for their performance in a competitive Group B that also includes Ecuador and Venezuela.