By TATE STEINLAGE
Luis Montes’ 2014 World Cup dreams came to a halt Saturday, as the midfielder was forced to leave Mexico’s friendly against Ecuador with what team officials are reporting as “suspected fractures” to Montes’ right fibula and tibia.
The injury came in the 37th minute after the 28-year-old collided with Ecuador midfielder Segundo Castillo — who also had to be substituted off — in an attempt to chase down a poor touch in his team’s own half. Montes had just gave Mexico the 1-0 lead in the match in the 33rd minute with a world-class strike from just outside the box.
Both Montes and Castillo were taken to a local hospital. Mexico’s communications staff confirmed the severity of the injury to Montes shortly after the initial challenge.
Along with Montes, Mexico defender Rafael Marquez left at halftime with an injury to his right foot. He too was taken to a local hospital, though the details of his injury have not yet been released.
Mexico was able to overcome the injuries to Montes and Marquez and add two final goals en route to the easy 3-1 victory in front of 82,876 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Midfielder Marco Fabian, who was substituted on for Montes in the 41st minute, scored Mexico’s second goal in the 69th minute before forward Giovani dos Santos tacked on the team’s final tally seven minutes later.
Ecuador was able to salvage its poor performance with a goal from substitute forward Enner Valencia in the 80th minute.
Mexico will have two days off before taking on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the team’s third World Cup tune-up match.
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How will Mexico react to Montes and Marquez’s injuries? Still believe that Mexico has a chance to get out of their group?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.