Action from the World Cup qualifier between Mexico and the visiting USA (white jersey) on June 11, 2017, in Mexico City. (Photo: Straffon Images)
MEXICO CITY – Mexico (4W-2D-0L, 14 points) remained unbeaten in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, playing the United States (2-2-2, 8) to a 1-1 draw on Sunday night at the Estado Azteca.
The result extended the Tricolor’s lead atop the six-team table to six points, while the Americans remained in third place, equaling Costa Rica on eight points, but trailing on goal difference (+3 to +4).
Michael Bradley gave the visiting U.S. a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute, when he intercepted a Javier Hernandez pass and chipped goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa from 36-yards out. It was Bradley’s fourth career goal against Mexico.
The host equalized in the 24rd minute through Carlos Vela. On this occasion, Hernandez delivered a pass to the right win for the Real Sociedad star, who shifted towards the middle across the top of the 18-yard box, before firing a left-footed shot just inside the left post.
Although there were no goals in the second half, there was no lack of action.
Mexico’s Hector Herrera drilled a 36-yard free kick off the crossbar in the 71st minute.
Three minutes later, Bradley crashed a right-footed shot off the right post from 38 yards.
Mexico, which will travel to Russia for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, improved to 9-3-0 overall in 2018 WCQ. The U.S. acquired only its third point in a competitive match at the Azteca.
