Mexico’s Vicente Vuoso , center, fights for the control of the ball with Bolivia’s Leonel Morales , left, and Ronald Raldes during a Copa America Group A soccer match at the Sausalito Stadium in Vina del Mar, Chile, Friday, June 12, 2015. AP
VINA DEL MAR, Chile—Mexico and Bolivia played a lackluster 0-0 draw Friday in the second match of the Copa America, the South American championship.
The result was disappointing for Mexico, which is playing what amounts to its B team but was still a favorite to beat Bolivia, which has not won a match in this tournament since 1997.
Mexico’s best players like Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez are being held out for next month’s Gold Cup in the United States.
Bolivia had clear scoring chances, particularly in the first half, while Mexico’s best opportunity came early in the second half when substitute Raul Jimenez headed just wide in the Group A match.
Mexico defender Rafael Marquez, playing his fifth Copa America, went off early in the second half with an apparent injury.
Bolivia had three good chances to take the lead.
Ricardo Pedriel hit the post in the 15th minute. Mexico goalkeeper Jesus Corona made a leaping save in the 42nd on Jhasmani Campos’ rising shot, and seconds later Ronald Raldes headed a ball just wide.
Mexico had a more of the ball in the second, but Bolivia looked better on the counterattack. Mexico pressed for the last 10 minutes and came close to breaking through several times.
Chile defeated Ecuador 2-0 on Thursday in the tournament and Group A opener.
In their next matches Monday, Mexico plays Chile and Ecuador faces Bolivia.
Argentina faces Paraguay on Saturday in Group B, and Brazil—the other heavyweight contender—plays Peru on Sunday in Group C.