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Jesus 'Tecatito' Corona Makes Starting Case in Mexico Win
The young midfielder was stunning in his substitute role in El Tri's 2-0 win over Honduras, showing he should be a regular starter for his team, writes Jon Arnold.
OMNISPORT
The first half of Mexico's 2-0 win against Honduras was not pretty. Honduras went with long balls as its attacking strategy and fouling as its defensive one. The match was crying out for a spark, But while Mexico controlled the night, El Tri couldn't break through.
Then, Jesus "Tecatito" Corona entered. Six minutes later, Mexico had a one-goal lead.
Corona is fun. He brings a level of energy to matches that few other players do, which is great for fans but also great for the teams he's a part of. With that energy comes skill. His first touch, with his trailing foot raised behind him, leg at an acute angle, that set himself up for Mexico's opening goal was a move that takes real talent and gumption to pull off.
It would be one thing if this were a flash in the pan, but the 22-year-old has made a habit of making magic for Mexico. He was the best player for El Tri in the Copa America, put in several good shifts at the Gold Cup and even helped Juan Carlos Osorio get his Mexico managerial career off to a winning start, as one of the standouts in a 3-0 win against El Salvador on Friday.
Yet, when the starting XI came out to face Honduras, a team that has Celtic left back Emilio Izaguirre and Colorado Rapids defender Maynor Figueroa typically patrolling the left side of its defense but has struggled to find a solid player on the right, it was Javier Aquino who was handed the starting role on the left side of El Tri's midfield.
Tuesday should eliminate any doubt that Corona is better equipped to be Mexico's starter on the left in a four-man midfield than the Tigres man, and should be one of the first names on the team sheet after Andres Guardado, Hector Moreno and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez. The difference from when Corona came on was striking. Though he didn't have a perfect day in terms of passing or possession, the goal he scored and the role he played in helping Mexico break down Honduras' disciplined defense, including a strong showing from Wilmer Crisanto who kept Aquino in check, indicate Corona is more than ready to play a big part.
Perhaps Osorio was worried about fatigue, but Corona's regular playing time at FC Twente and now with Porto have the Hermosillo native looking more fit than at any time in his career. Porto isn't a bad place to develop either, launching the career of compatriot Hector Herrera.
Corona's star is on the rise, and surely manager Osorio can see that. The Colombian boss notes down everything, either in his mind or his famous notebook, and will have seen the change in his side when Tecatito entered the match.
Mexico is in total control after winning its first two qualifying matches. The Hex will follow the fourth round, and the 2018 World Cup after that. It's time to start building for the future. Luckily, with Corona, he doesn't have to choose. He's one of the best XI in the present and should get more opportunities going forward.