Mexico score 2 late goals, survive scare from Jamaica in World Cup qualifier

Mexico were down 1-0 to a 10-man Jamaica side in Kingston with 10 minutes to play before two goals in a span of two minutes turned the tides in El Tri’s favor in its first World Cup qualifier of the window. The future of Mexico head coach Gerardo Martino was dangling by a thread in the hot and humid Caribbean setting, but just as Martino predicted recently, his players were willing to fight for a much-needed victory.

The win should help calm choppy waters that have engulfed Mexico’s national team since the end of last year. Three points in Kingston kept Mexico in third place in the Octagonal standings, just two points from first-place Canada, but momentum is what Mexico is truly after. Martino’s substitutions, albeit in desperation, proved valuable as Diego Lainez and Henry Martino provided the spark that Martino’s side needed.

Mexico will host Costa Rica on Sunday at the Estadio Azteca.

(Photo: Ramon Espinosa / Associated Press)