After hosting the Olympic Games this is the return of Brazil to their first official competition and they notched an important 3-1 victory over Mexico so start the 2017 Pan American Cup. Joaquin López, Stephane Smith and Lucas Paixao scored for Brazil.

The only Mexican goal came through Maximiliano Méndez just at the end of the game.

The match began with both of the teams studying the opponents movements, with side passes and not so many area penetrations. In fact, the first danger action occurred just after the 6th minute when Brazilian captain André Patrocinio entered the right side of the attack and shoot the ball between the goalkeeper and his post

The game continued with side passes, with a Brazil trying to generate spaces and a very focused Mexico running through all pitch with a great physical display.

The first quarter could finish with a Mexican Goal when Guillermo Pedraza had a dangerous situation. His action generated a penalty corner that, that wasn’t well executed.

In the 26th minute Brazil was able to increase the lead as Joaquin Lopez broke through the right, pass the ball to Lucas Paixao, who smashed it into the top corner.

Just minutes later Brazilian goalkeeper Rodrigo Faustino also had the opportunity to show off when he made a great save on Pedraza’s penalty corner.

The second half of the game continued with the same wide open play and attacking strategy down the outsides of the pitch.  Brazilian captain Patrocinio missed a clear chance in the 34th minute. This made Patrick Van der Heijden and Patrocinio push harder for a second goal but they were unable to capitalize. 

Lots of patience brought the results they finally needed and in the 41st minute a penalty corner was well executed by Stephane Smith for a 2-0 Brazil lead.

The most emotional part of the game came in the final quarter. In the minute 77th minute Roberto García scored Mexico’s first goal after he assisted Maximiliano Méndez in a penalty corner and beat keeper Fausto Rodrigo. Two minutes later, Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paixao scored Brazil's the third goal to give Brazil the 3-1 final score. 

Pan American Cup men’s pool-round play continues on Aug. 6 with Pool B match ups between Canada and Brazil (10:00), Trinidad and Tobago vs Mexico (12:00) and Pool A match ups Chile vs Argentina (17:00) and Usa vs Venezuela (19:00). Tomorrow, Aug. 5, the women’s matches begin with Canada vs Brazil (12:00), Argentina vs Chile (17:00) and USA vs Mexico (19:00).