Mexico 0-0 Wales
Mexico may be heading to the FIFA World Cup, but Wales made sure they won’t have all the fun before the big summer tournament.
The Dragons, who won’t be joining the event in Russia after finishing third in Group D of the World Cup 2018 Europe qualifiers, spoiled the party for Mexico as they pulled off a goalless draw in front of a largely Mexican crowd at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
It was a result that left new Wales’ boss Ryan Giggs satisfied, and something which almost certainly frustrated a Mexican team aiming to boost their confidence before taking on the other giants of world football.
Here’s the full Mexico vs Wales highlights, analysis and key statistics that led to the outcome of the game:
Highlights of the game
In the absence of talisman Gareth Bale and role players Joe Allen and James Chester, Giggs opted to play a relatively youthful and experimental squad. And to everyone’s surprise, it paid off big time as the youngsters were able to hold off Mexico—a team boasting the attacking talent of Jesus Corona and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez.
Crystal Palace and Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey anchored the goal well, making crucial stops that left the Mexicans scoreless throughout.
Mexico dominated the start and almost broke the deadlock in the sixth minute through Corona, but his shot was eventually saved by Hennessey. Chicharito then tried his luck but to no avail.
Wales suffered a blow after skipper Ashley Williams was forced off the pitch with an apparent rib injury, which he sustained following his challenge on Hernandez near the halfway line.
The Dragons, however, held on and kept Mexico at bay despite the increasing pressure that Juan Carlos Osorio’s men applied on offence.
Giggs continued to introduce young players into the fray, fielding Bristol Rovers’ Tom Lockyer to replace Williams and inserting 22-year-old defenders Connor Roberts and Declan John as well as 20-year-old midfielder David Brooks at halftime.
Leicester forward George Thomas and Manchester City midfielder Matt Smith were also given their debuts in the latter stages.
Mexico were the more aggressive side throughout, and that was evident in the second half when Hector Herrera and Oribe Peralta came close to scoring. Despite the late scare, nonetheless, Wales’ stoic defensive display reigned supreme and denied Mexico what could have been a resounding victory.
Giggs expressed his delight with the clean sheet, saying that they would take it especially against a strong team like Mexico.
“The quality could have been a little bit better when we had chances but I was more than happy with their concentration in defence,” the 44-year-old manager said.
“Mexico made us work for a clean sheet, they made us work hard. But full credit to the players and the staff, the concentration has been good, knowing that we’re playing a very, very good team at the end of the trip.”
Key statistics
The match can be described as “offence versus defence”—save for some moments when Liverpool winger Harry Wilson and Brooks threatened the Mexicans on the attack—and post-match statistics showed the glaring differences between the approach of the two nations in the game.
Mexico got the lion share of the ball, finishing with almost 70 percent possession. They even registered a total of 22 shots, nine of which were on target. They also had a flurry of set-pieces, thanks in large part to their 12 corners.
Despite that, they still failed to convert and break through the Wales defence. For their part, though, the Welshmen’s focus was obviously not on the attack as they finished with just three shots in which only one was on target.
They also had just two corners while committing 13 fouls, a clear proof of how intense and physical they were throughout.
What’s next?
Next up for Wales is the UEFA Nations League where they are scheduled to face Republic of Ireland and Denmark in the League Phase.
Giggs cited that he remains confident heading to the competition, especially after the China Cup and international friendly results. He pointed out that he has seen his team’s depth, particularly in their draw with Mexico.
“I’ve learned that we’ve got quality in depth, we’ve got young players who, if they’re given a chance, they’ll take it,” he added. “That’s what I want. I want competitiveness between the squad, where we’re not just picking 11 or 12 players.”
“We’ve got a lot out of the last couple of weeks and it ended with a magnificent test against a very good team.”
Meanwhile, Mexico are slated to play two more friendlies before the World Cup. They will host Scotland next week before visiting Denmark.
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