Mexico 2-0 USA Player Ratings as Jimenez’s magic stuns the visitors

Mexico ended their poor record against the USA with a dominant 2-0 win in a friendly fixture. Mauricio Pochettino deployed a second-string side due to the absence of some of the key players and Mexicans took full advantage of it. Despite the USA being deemed the favourites, the hosts started the game on the front foot. setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Raul Jimenez opened the account in a spectacular way, scoring an unstoppable 30-yard free-kick and he provided the assist to Cesar Huerta’s second right after the half-time. USA’s miserable outing was reflected in their stat as they managed only one shot on target as opposed to Mexico’s five. Despite winning his first game, Pochettino was handed a big wake-up call and he needs to figure out a way to extract results even with his weakest playing 11 to be more successful in the future.

Mexico National Football Team Player Ratings vs USA

Goalkeeper

Luis Malagon: Was barely called into action as USMNT failed to register a single shot on target

Defenders

Jesus Angulo: 6/10 – Angulo was robust in the backline, winning 4 ground duels and 2 tackles.

Johan Vasquez: 7/10 – A stellar showing from the centre-back, who was aerially dominant – winning four aerial duels. Constantly curbed USA’s momentum, snuffing even the slightest of chances. His long-balls were also excellent

Cesar Montes: 6/10 – Kept the opposition at bay throughout the game, making 6 recoveries. He also delivered 6 passes into the final third and his long balls also created quite a problem to Pochettino’s side

Jorge Sanchez: 7/10 – Sanchez put in a tremendous showing from the right-back position, shining on both ends. Was a rock at the back, winning 8 ground duels and 6 tackles.

Midfielders

Edson Alvarez: 6/10 – The West Ham midfielder was in his element, showing yet again his robust nature in the midfield. Won 6 duels and made 4 recoveries

Andres Guardado: 3/10 – Taken off shortly after earning his record 182nd cap for Mexico. Brought to an end a brilliant career.

Orbelin Pineda: 5/10 – Caused a little threat to USA from the central zone and also his defensive efforts were good, winning the ball back on a few occasions

Attackers

Roberto Alvarado: 7/10 – A sparkling performance from the winger, who caused all sorts of trouble to the visitors. Created 3 big chances and worked his socks off the ball, making 9 recoveries

Cesar Huerta: 7/10 – The Mexican prospect continues to grow in stature with yet another fine performance. Showed great composure when netting the goal past Matt Turner.

Raul Jimenez: 8/10 – Jimenez was a class apart, rising to the occasion in a big game. Showed an other-worldly freekick and the way he set up Huerta’s strike with a lunging tackle, showed his tenacity. The USMNT defenders found it hard to cope with him as he also created a handful of chances for his teammates and defended well during corners.

Substitutes

Luis Romo: N/A

Alexis Veiga: N/A

Diego Lainez: N/A

German Berterame: N/A

Obed Vargas: N/A

Manager

Javier Aguirre: 8/10 – Aguirre would be proud of his side’s excellent display to defeat their rivals with aplomb. El Tri remained dominant throughout the game and today’s result will increase their confidence sevenfold.

Also Read: Brazil 4-0 Peru player ratings as Raphinha’s penalty double help Selecao secure a victory

USA National Football Team Player Ratings vs Mexico

Goalkeeper

Matt Turner: 5/10 Made a couple of fine saves but was left helpless for both goals

Defenders

Antonee Robinson: 5/10 – The Fulham left-back was replaced at the break after failing to make a big impact. Involved in a few defensive actions but couldn’t offer anything upfront.

Tim Ream: 4/10 – Was robbed off of the ball by a sliding tackle from Raul Jimenez, which sat up well for Huerta’s goal

Miles Robinson: 6/10 – One of the positives in the defence, Robinson thwarted a few dangerous moves from Mexico, which could have made things worse for the visitors

Joe Scally: 4/10 – Scally proved to be a liability as the Mexicans beat past him at ease time and again.

Midfielders

Gianluca Busio: Busio’s defensive efforts were appreciable but failed to offer anything moving front.

Yunus Musah: 4/10 – The AC Milan midfielder was hauled off at halftime after a dismal showing. Had high expectations but his impact was curbed – partly due to him playing slightly wider.

Aidan Morris: 4/10 Conceded the foul that led to Jimenez’s goal-scoring free-kick. Was dispossessed often and spent the time catching Mexico’s marauding attack.

Brenden Aaronson: 6/10 – Was one of the few bright spots, creating 3 big chances while completing 3 dribbles. Also stood out defensively, winning a game-high 10 duels.

Attackers

Josh Sargent: 3/10 – A dismal showing from Sargent, who was supposed to spearhead the attack in Riccardo Pepi’s absence. Barely found inspiration in what was a toothless attack from the USMNT

Malik Tillman: 4/10 – Burdened by the expectations to fill in the shoes of Pulisic, Tillman failed massively to shore up the attack.

Substitutes

Auston Trusty: N/A

Tanner Tessmann: N/A

Haji Wright: N/A

Brandon Vazquez: N/A

Alejandro Zendejas: N/A

Kristoffer Hansen: N/A

Manager

Mauricio Pochettino: 4/10 – With big names missing, Pochettino’s ability was put to the test and as it turned out, he came up short. Above the result, USA’s lacklustre poor showing on multiple fronts was a tough pill to swallow for the former Paris Saint-Germain coach.

Also Read: Canada vs Panama Player Ratings as Canada beats Panama in a Friendly Face-off

FAQs