Mexico’s national football team showcased a dominant performance in a friendly match against New Zealand on September 7th, 2024. The game, which was played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, ended with a resounding 3-0 victory for El Tri. This win comes as a welcome change for Mexican fans after a disappointing Copa América campaign.
Here’s a deeper look at the lineups, key highlights of the game, and what this victory might mean for the future of Mexico’s national team:
Mexico’s Lineup and Performance:
El Tri started the match with a 4-3-3 formation, showcasing several key players. Luis Malagon, who returned to the national team after missing the Copa América due to injury, held down the goalkeeping position. The midfield trio featured the likes of Orbelín Pineda, Luis Romo, and Uriel Antuna, who orchestrated the attack with their quick passing and creative play.
The team’s dominance was evident from the start. Mexico controlled possession and relentlessly attacked the New Zealand defense. The first goal came from Pineda in the 8th minute, a well-placed shot from outside the box that left the New Zealand goalkeeper with no chance.
The second goal came in the 50th minute, with Chino Huerta converting a cross from Luis Romo. The final nail in the coffin came in the 63rd minute, when Luis Romo himself scored a third goal, demonstrating the team’s attacking prowess and fluidity.
New Zealand’s Lineup and Struggles:
The Football Ferns, despite fielding a strong lineup with several MLS players, struggled to match Mexico’s intensity. Their formation featured a 4-2-3-1 setup, with Max Crocombe in goal and a midfield pairing of Marko Stamenic and Joe Bell.
New Zealand’s attack lacked the creativity and dynamism of their Mexican counterparts, and they were unable to break down the Mexican defense effectively. They struggled to maintain possession and were often caught out of position due to Mexico’s high-pressing tactics.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for El Tri
While this match was a friendly, it served as a valuable test for Mexico. The team looked more cohesive and focused than in recent tournaments, and the return of several key players provided a boost to the squad.
The victory against New Zealand will likely give the new coaching staff confidence. The team is now looking forward to the next FIFA window in October, where they will have another chance to continue building momentum. With a focus on regaining their former glory, El Tri is hoping to build a competitive team that can challenge for top honors in future tournaments.
Key Takeaways:
- Mexico showcased their attacking prowess, particularly in the first half, demonstrating their potential to be a force to be reckoned with in future competitions.
- The return of several key players and a new coaching staff have injected fresh energy and focus into the team.
- The match highlights the significant gap in quality between Mexico and New Zealand. However, for El Tri, it was a valuable opportunity to solidify their dominance and build team chemistry.
Mexico’s performance against New Zealand serves as a positive sign for the future. While there’s a long way to go before they can reach their full potential, the team is on the right track towards re-establishing themselves as a top contender on the global stage.
