In a thrilling match that flipped the script, Mexico wins 2-0 against USA to break a seven-game winless streak. Raul Jimenez and Cesar Huerta delivered standout performances, giving Mexico the edge over their rivals in a heated clash. Here’s a detailed look at the game and what led to Mexico’s big win.
Mexico Ends Winless Run Against USA with 2-0 Victory:
Mexico wins 2-0 against USA in a much-anticipated match that finally saw them halt a disheartening seven-game winless streak against their fierce North American rivals. With both Raul Jimenez and Cesar Huerta stepping up in a big way, Mexico took control of the game early and never looked back.
But what exactly happened in this pivotal showdown? How did Mexico finally snap their losing streak, and what did the USA fail to do? Let’s dive into all the key moments and performance highlights from this match.
Mexico Dominates from Start to Finish:
Mexico entered the game with a clear game plan, and it paid off. They pressed high, disrupted the U.S. midfield, and quickly found their rhythm. The result was a dominant performance where Mexico took the lead and held on to it, controlling the tempo and leaving little room for the U.S. to create any dangerous opportunities.
Raul Jimenez, who’s been one of Mexico’s most reliable players in recent years, opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a beautiful free kick that sailed past U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner. This goal not only gave Mexico a much-needed lead, but it also set the tone for the rest of the game.
Raul Jimenez Strikes First: A Goal to Remember
What makes Jimenez’s goal so special? The placement, the timing, and the skill. It was a 25-yard free kick that curled perfectly around the defensive wall, leaving Turner with no chance to stop it. This was Jimenez’s 34th international goal, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for Mexico.
After this, the U.S. struggled to regain composure, and that’s when Mexico smelled blood. They continued to press, forcing turnovers and keeping possession deep in the U.S. half.
Cesar Huerta Doubles the Lead: Mexico’s Counter-Attacking Masterclass
While Jimenez provided the spark, it was Cesar Huerta who delivered the knockout punch. Just minutes into the second half, Huerta scored Mexico’s second goal. The play began with Jimenez again—he latched onto a through ball, fought off U.S. defender Tim Ream, and regained possession before threading the ball into the box.
Huerta took the opportunity, sliding past U.S. defender Miles Robinson and slotting the ball home from near the penalty spot. The second goal sealed the deal and marked Huerta’s third international goal, adding even more excitement to Mexico’s resurgence.
U.S. Falls Short Without Pulisic and Key Starters:
Missing key players like Christian Pulisic, the U.S. team struggled to create any real attacking opportunities. In fact, they failed to record a single shot in the first half—a worrying statistic for a team that’s usually more dangerous in front of goal.
Mauricio Pochettino, the newly appointed U.S. coach, had led the team to a 2-0 win over Panama in his debut, but this game proved to be a much tougher test. Without their usual lineup of starters, the U.S. lacked creativity and cohesion, especially in the midfield, which allowed Mexico to dictate the pace.
Mexico’s Defense Holds Strong:
One of the unsung stories of the night was Mexico’s defensive organization. Every time the U.S. threatened to break forward, Mexico’s defense held firm, particularly in dealing with set-pieces and crosses into the box. Miles Robinson and Tim Ream struggled to break through, and the U.S. was left searching for answers.
New Era for Mexico Under Javier Aguirre:
Javier Aguirre’s impact as Mexico’s coach has been immediate. Since taking over in August, he’s brought discipline, structure, and a sense of belief back to the team. His tactics against the U.S. were spot-on, and his decision to press high and exploit the U.S. defense’s vulnerabilities paid off.
Aguirre is only two games into his second stint as Mexico’s head coach, but if this performance is anything to go by, the future looks bright for El Tri.
Crowd Controversy: Homophobic Chant Mars Victory
Despite the victory, the match wasn’t without controversy. Fans at Akron Stadium were heard chanting homophobic slurs, something that’s led to FIFA fines in the past. Costa Rican referee Keylor Herrera opted not to stop the game despite these chants, which is likely to be discussed in the aftermath.
What’s Next for Mexico and the U.S.?
Looking ahead, both teams have crucial games on the horizon. For the U.S., the focus will shift to the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals next month. Pochettino will need to regroup and figure out how to get the best out of his team, especially without key players like Pulisic.
Mexico, on the other hand, will look to build on this momentum. With Javier Aguirre at the helm, they’ll be hoping this win marks the start of a new chapter for the team—a chapter where they reassert their dominance in North American football.
Conclusion: A Statement Win for Mexico
In the end, Mexico wins 2-0 against USA, breaking a long winless streak and showing that they’re back on track. With Raul Jimenez and Cesar Huerta both on target, Mexico not only claimed victory but also reminded everyone that they’re still a force to be reckoned with in CONCACAF.
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