Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Mexico Continue Uninspiring World Cup Build-up

Mexico produced another disappointing performance against lowly Scotland in their latest World Cup Warm-up game. The Group F hopefuls followed up a 0-0 draw with Wales with a tame 1-0 win on Saturday evening in Mexico.

Mexico On Top Early

Giovani dos Santos netted after just 13 minutes to give the hosts the lead at the Estadio Azteca. It was a calm deliberate finish from the edge of the box. Scotland are sure to be disappointed with the amount of time he had on the ball. The Mexican forward enjoying acres of space afforded them by a weak Scottish back line. Despite seven Scottish defenders being in the penalty area at the time no-one put pressure on the ball.

Scotland never really got started in the game and were nearly two down when Miguel Layun struck the woodwork from 25 yards. Again there was little pressure on the ball. Mexico continued to dominate the ball, and managed 10 shots on target but were unable to find a second.

Giovani Dos Santos Mexico

Squandered Chances

They did get the ball in the back of the net again in the second half, but Oribe Peralta’s goal was ruled out for a very marginal offside. Mexico will have been expecting better against Scotland, who lost 2-0 to Peru earlier in the week. There will also be some concern that a very pedestrian Scotland team very nearly equalized. Oliver McBurnie rose uncontested from 10 yards out but headed against the post.

Mexico will consider this a performance to build on, and can at least take some confidence from the win. However, the level of competition in these warm-up games wasn’t really significant enough for us to gauge how they will perform at the World Cup. Mexico’s inability to finish chances off certainly needs to change if they are to progress in the tournament.

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