Background and Relevance
The Mexican national football team, known as “El Tri,” recently participated in FIFA friendlies against Asian opponents, Japan and South Korea. These matches took place in Nashville, Tennessee, with over 20,000 fans in attendance. The team aimed to maintain their momentum following their summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup victory. Both Japan and South Korea, who are already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, fielded their best players during these friendlies.
Match Against Japan: 0-0 Draw
In the first match against Japan, Mexico displayed a submissive and defensive approach. They had limited goal-scoring opportunities and spent most of the time retreating due to Japan’s swift attacks. Despite the lackluster performance, the score remained 0-0.
Match Against South Korea: 2-2 Draw
Against South Korea, Mexico showed more intensity and dominance in the first half. Head coach Javier Aguirre made several changes to his starting lineup, including goalkeeper Raúl Rangel and substitutes Juan Sánchez Purata and Erik Lira, due to César Montes’ expulsion and Edson Álvarez’s injury. In attack, Hirving Lozano and Germán Berterame were left out, while Rodrigo Huescas and Mateo Chávez, both under-23 players based in Europe, were given a chance.
After a controlled first half, South Korea adjusted their strategy and introduced their star player, Son Heung-min. His high-speed dribbling caused confusion in Mexico’s defense. At minute 65, Son capitalized on a rebound in the area to equalize with a powerful left-footed shot. Ten minutes later, Oh Hyeon-gyu scored for South Korea after being put through on goal by a long ball, outpacing Mexican captain Johan Vásquez with a clever dribble and leaving Rangel with no chance.
Late Surge and Santiago Giménez’s Goal
With 15 minutes remaining, Aguirre introduced Santiago Giménez, Alexis Vega, Diego Lainez, Jesús Gallardo, and Jorge Sánchez in an attempt to avoid a fourth loss since taking charge in September 2024. Although Mexico increased their intensity and ball possession, they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Two shots from Giménez, known as the ‘Chaquito,’ were the closest they came to breaking through. However, South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made a crucial save.
Two minutes from full time, Giménez found the breakthrough with a stunning individual effort. He skillfully shifted the ball to his left foot and evaded a defender before firing a low shot past the near post, securing a 2-2 draw.
Key Players and Their Impact
Raúl Jiménez, the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, scored his 44th goal for Mexico, bringing him two goals away from tying Jared Borgetti’s second-place record. Meanwhile, Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández remains the all-time leading scorer with 52 goals.
Santiago Giménez, a Milan forward, showcased his talent with the late equalizer against South Korea. His sixth goal for the Mexican national team highlights his importance to the squad.
Upcoming Matches
Mexico’s next FIFA friendlies will be in October, with matches against Colombia at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and Ecuador at the Akron stadium in Guadalajara. Javier Aguirre will have access to European-based players for these games.
Coach Javier Aguirre’s Record
Since taking charge in September 2024, Javier Aguirre’s record with Mexico stands at 12 wins, five draws, and three losses. The defeats came against Honduras in the Nations League and in friendlies versus River Plate and Switzerland.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the upcoming opponents for Mexico’s FIFA friendlies? Colombia and Ecuador.
- What is the current record of Javier Aguirre as Mexico’s head coach? 12 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses.
- Who scored the crucial late equalizer for Mexico against South Korea? Santiago Giménez.
- How many goals does Hirving Lozano need to tie Jared Borgetti’s second-place scoring record for Mexico? Two more goals.
- What are the venues for Mexico’s upcoming FIFA friendlies? AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and Akron stadium in Guadalajara.
