Santiago Gimenez celebrated after scoring a 1-0 partial against Nigeria, in a friendly played in Arlington, Texas. Photo: Ron Jenkins/Getty Images/AFP.
On a goal from the Argentine Santiago Gimenez and a goal against Nigerian William Troost, Mexico beat the African nation 2-1, in a match in preparation for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where Tata Martino’s team will share group C along with Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Poland.
Giménez, son of the remembered former Boca, Christian “Chaco” Gimenez, was recorded on the scoreboard 12 minutes into the first half, with the striker’s goal, taking advantage of a cross and doubts from the rival goalkeeper. In addition, Troost made a mistake and gave victory to the American team, which was unconvincing against a low -level team, which would not be included in the World Cup.
El Tri began his warm-up for the Qatar World Cup in this friendly played in Arlington, Texas, and on Thursday he will continue his tour of the United States against Uruguay in Arizona.
Giménez, Cruz Azul’s striker, took advantage of a Nigerian defense mistake to convert with a shot at the nearby post.
The Green Eagles tied at 54, after a cross from the left. Cyriel Dessers hit a header deflected by goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota, but the ball went behind the net.
Mexico regained the lead when Troost missed after a header hit the crossbar and hit his own goal.
The team led by Gerardo Martino will make their World Cup debut on November 22, with a match against Poland and on the 26th they will have to face Scaloni’s team for the second day.
Santiago Giménez, from Cruz Azul, celebrated a goal against Atlas. Photo: EFE/ José Méndez.
The story of Chaco Gimenez
Christian Gimenez is that striker who appeared in Boca’s Primera when he was a teenager, in 1998. And he is beyond the fact that on the first day of last February he turned 36 years old: Chaco -as they call him as a matter of origin since he remained at the Casa Amarilla pension- maintaining the simplicity and that humility he offered in every conversation with Carlos Bianchi, the first coach to mark him, who promoted him.
He went through it all in his journey as a soccer player, a profession in which he said goodbye in 2018, at the age of 37, playing for Pachuca. There is some data describing his success: he won seven continental titles (two Libertadores including Boca, one South American and four ConcaChampions) and was called up by two national teams, Argentina and Mexico. He played 14 years in the Aztec country and is one of the foreigners with the longest career and one of the most respected.
“He’s one of the players who is valued going to our country. He always leaves everything, his whole heart on the pitch. It breaks his heart for every team he plays. He even showed it to the Mexican team: he sweats. more on his shirt than many other born here. He is an example for Mexicans in general. That is why everyone respects him. And that is also why today he is an undisputed idol in Cruz Azul, “he said a few years ago to Clarion local journalist Jaime Luna.
From Diego’s call to the room with Messi
“They always make me feel very good here. I’m half Argentine, well from Chaco; and half from this lovely and beautiful country. Mexico is a very beautiful city. Its people are wonderful. And there’s everything to do: in culture, in sports, in places to eat, to visit, to education, ”said Giménez, who ended up staying in Aztec land.
Dad Christian and his son Santiago played Cruz Azul together.
In 2009, Chaco was called up by Maradona for the Argentine National Team. “Yes, it was something incredible. The best thing that happened to me in my career. I can’t believe it,” the former soccer player said in a chat with this newspaper.
Although he didn’t play that call, he has fond memories of Diego’s call: “I heard rumors. But nothing was confirmed. And one day, when I was already asleep, the phone rang. At first. and only Once. I left it at night. On the other hand, a hoarse voice greeted me. It was Diego. He asked me if I wanted to play for the National Team. That I wanted to be with him in the game in Quito, because I’m used to it. And I told him I was going to walk or swim, but I’m sure … Imagine, for me Diego is a holy word. I was so moved. My husband and I cried and when I told my mother. “
Christian and Santiago, with Cruz Azul uniforms.
And he had the privilege of sharing a room with Lionel Messi, no less. “It was an unforgettable experience. I was in the room with the best footballer in the world: with Messi. And at that time I already melted for Messi. A phenomenon,” Chaco said happily.
“I met a very nice guy. He accepted me in the best way. I thought he didn’t know me. But he admired him so much he couldn’t let go, I couldn’t. When the game. In Ecuador ended, where I couldn’t sit on the bench due to muscle discomfort, he brought me his autographed shirt. And he said to me: ‘Tomá, this is for your son’ “.
Caprice of fate, Santiago will face Lionel in Argentina’s confrontation with Mexico on November 26, for the second day of Group C of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Source: Clarin
