Mexico vs. Jamaica Gold Cup Match Ends in 0-0 Draw as Group C Takes Shape

Mexico and Jamaica each moved one step closer to the quarterfinals of the 2017 Gold Cup after battling to a 0-0 draw Thursday in Denver. 

It was a rematch of the 2015 Gold Cup final, but this time Jamaica was able to force at least a draw thanks to its extremely conservative play. 

Both teams earned wins in their first matches and could have clinched a spot in the next round with a win in this one, but they now settle for four points each through two rounds of group play. El Salvador remains in the hunt in Group C with three points following Thursday's win over Curacao.

El Tri controlled the action in this match, holding possession for 73 percent of the time while taking almost three times as many shots, per ESPN. Jamaica didn't do much offensively outside of a few counter-attacks and didn't even put a shot on goal.

However, Mexico still couldn't break through due to sloppy play and poor shots in the final third.

It was the second straight match Mexico had to play without manager Juan Carlos Osorio, who received a six-game suspension for his conduct during the Confederations Cup. His absence seemed to have some effect on a squad that couldn't get on the scoresheet.

The start of the match provided an indication of what fans should expect for the entire 90 minutes.

Tom Marshall of ESPN summed up the first half of play:

Mexico controlled the majority of possession and earned more looks at the net, but the closest it came to a goal was an Erick Torres header that went off the post.

The second half didn't feature many more opportunities with Jamaica staying conservative and Mexico unable to get much done in the final third.

No one watching along seemed to be enjoying what became a relatively boring game:

The final whistle was followed by a chorus of boos from those in the stands, knowing they could have gotten a better show than a scoreless draw.

Both teams will wrap up the group stage in this tournament with matches on Sunday at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Jamaica will take on El Salvador while Mexico will face Curacao.

While both teams remain in good shape after the latest result, they will likely still need to earn at least a draw in their final matches to ensure a spot in the next round.