A Tale of Two Halves; Mexico Rescues Game

Photo Credit: femexfut.org.mx

By Francisco Romero

Almost 60,000 fans gathered inside University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona to watch Mexico and the United States in a friendly match Wednesday night.  Mexico was able to rescue a 2-2 tie after the United States dominated the first (:45) minutes of play; “El Tri” was stunned and almost paralyzed in that first half.

The second half of the game belonged to Mexico as it even flirted with a victory.

Michael Bradley scored the first goal for the United States at the 14^th minute of the first half.  Chris Wondolowski gave the U.S. a 2-goal lead while scoring in the 27^th minute. 

“We had a hard time completing our plays and opportunities during the first half,” said Mexico’s Head Coach Miguel Herrera.  “We were able to make some modifications during the second half that helped us have better control of the ball and the game,” he added.

Indeed, the second half belonged to Mexico.  The veteran defender Rafael Marquez scored the first goal for “El Tri” on the 48^th minute of play.  Alan Pulido was able to tie the game at the 63^rd minute of the game.

Herrera made a couple of key changes that helped Mexico during the second half.  Jesus Zavala was taken out of the game as well as Carlos Peña and brought in Juan Carlos Medina and Raul Jimenez.

Zavala seemed lost as Bradley took over midfield without relinquishing it during the first half of play.

Both teams had a chance to take the lead at the end of the game, but failed to do so. 

Mexico and the United States are tuning up for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil.  The U. S. will face Azerbaijan on May 27.  Mexico will host Israel at Estadio Azteca on May 28^th.