Chile's national team beat Mexico 2-0 at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, United States, closing its North American tour with a win. Before that, it had lost to Canada and to the United States. The goals came from Maximiliano Gutiérrez and Vicente Pizarro.
According to La Tercera, Pizarro welcomed the result but acknowledged that the trip was not easy for the squad. The atmosphere soured after Marcelino Núñez left the team camp. "It was a somewhat complicated tour because of what was being talked about," said the Rosario Central midfielder.
The second goal began with a ball won back in Mexico's half. According to Cooperativa, Pizarro took the ball off an opponent, played it to Darío Osorio, received a precise assist and finished with his left foot to extend the lead.
The midfielder explained that the play reflects an idea the team has worked on: high pressing. "I happened to be the one who scored, but I think that's the way we play, our idea doesn't change," he said. He added that the match showed what Nicolás Córdova's team had been practicing.
Pizarro asked that the win not change the mood with which the process is viewed. "We have to stay calm, especially now that we've won a match," he said, recalling that the group also tried to stay calm after the defeats.
Felipe Loyola focused on a tactical detail. For the midfielder, Chile played the same way as against Canada and the United States, and what changed was scoring first. With the lead, he explained, the team was able to manage the match differently.
Loyola, who has not played regularly in Italian football, said the tour was useful for him because he played all three matches and is returning in good shape physically and mentally. He then made an appeal to the fans. "People should simply support us, trust us, we are a group that is under construction," he said.
Chile finished the FIFA international window with one win and two defeats in its three friendlies. The squad now returns to their clubs, and Córdova is in charge of the team on an interim basis.
