Mexico took on Uruguay in one of the last international windows before next summer’s World Cup. I would say Mexico was the better team but the game ended in a 0-0 draw. Here are some observations.
Things I Liked
- Mexico’s Defense: Uruguay had trouble with Mexico’s high press when it was in action. I thought Hirving Lozano did a good job as the spearhead of the press before his injury substitution. The entire team felt like they were on a string when Uruguay had the ball, everyone move in unison. For a team that gave up 5 goals last international window, this was a much needed shutout. It wasn’t Uruguay’s full attacking power but Mexico’s defense held up, including Raul Rangel. He started the last time Mexico played Uruguay and it was a blowout. Overall, the defense was compact and did not give them any time on the ball. Everyone played their parts and kept the shut out.
- Marcel Ruiz and Gilberto Mora: Both seemed to be the only Mexican players going anything going forward. Ruiz led both teams in getting fouled (6) and duels(won 9/14). Mora only played 45 minutes but led both teams in Key Passes (2) and went 21/22 passing. Its becoming crystal clear that Mora is the only creative attacking player producing anything for Mexico. Crazy to say that as he turned 17 last month.
Things I Didn’t Like
- After the September window, I wrote about Mexico’s lack of in-form wingers and suggested the fullbacks could provide width. That was before the Rodrigo Huescas ACL injury. Against Uruguay, Israel Reyes was at Right Back and provided nothing going forward. He is serviceable in a pinch, when the team is going to truly sit back but with the wingers being non-existent, this feels like a waste. In the map above, you can see Reyes is basically even with Johan Vasquez and Edson Alvarez. That is not something you want in 2025. I still think playing a back 3 is something Vasco should try and playing a winger as RWB.
- You’re not going to find a bigger Edson Alvarez fan than me but his penchant for stupid fouls/Yellow Cards is a huge liability. In this clip versus Uruguay, his opponent is 35 yards and dribbling away from goal when Edson makes a rash challenge. Now Edson had to play almost 60 minutes carrying a yellow. In the World Cup, Mexico will get punished for these types of mistakes. The best ability is availability and yellow card accumulation is a real pain in the ass in the World Cup.
- The referee had a rough night and this is with the benefit of having VAR available for the game. Above is just one incident where he made the wrong call. The game nearly ended with a bench clearing brawl.
Up next for Mexico is a friendly in San Antonio versus Paraguay, who is coming off a 2-1 loss against the USMNT. Things got heated at the end.