PASADENA, California.- Despite a dominating performance, Mexico was unable to find a goal and settled for a 0-0 draw against Wales in an international friendly on Monday in front of a full house at the Rose Bowl Stadium.
Mexico’s constant attacks were thwarted by Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey of Crystal Palace, who denied El Tri on at least three scoring opportunities.
Mexico’s best chances came via a Javier Aquino shot in the third minute, a Jesus Manuel Corona attempt in the sixth and another chance for captain Hector Herrera in the 41st minute of the first half.
Even though Wales were not playing with a full-strength XI, they managed to withstand the attacks from a Mexico side that was using players still looking to nail down a spot on the final 23-man roster for the World Cup in Russia.
In his post-match press conference, Mexico’s Colombian Head Coach Juan Carlos Osorio called the draw against Wales “very good”, stressing that it will help give him a clearer idea of finalizing the list of 23 players that will travel to Russia.
“Everything that is done is to work on our decisión making on different scenarios. Once we have the list of 23, in the match against Denmark, we will focus on the 11 that are going to start against Germany,” said Osorio.
Mexico will host Scotland next Saturday at the Azteca Stadium and then visit Denmark on June 9 in Copenhagen in their final two preparation matches prior to the World Cup, in which El Tri will play in Group F against Germany, Korea and Sweden.
Referee: Armando Villarreal (United States)
México: José de Jesús Corona; Édson Álvarez, Hugo Ayala, Oswaldo Alanís (Jurgen Damn m.46), Jesús Gallardo; Héctor Herrera (Jonathan Dos Santos m. 60), Jesús Molina (Carlos Salcedo m.46), Erick Gutiérrez (Marco Fabían m.74); Jesús Manuel Corona (Giovani Dos Santos m.60), Javier Hernández (Oribe Peralta m.59), Javier Aquino. Head Coach: Juan Carlos Osorio.
Gales: Wayne Hennesey; Chris Gunter (Connors Roberts m.46), Ashley Williams, Chris Mepham, Ben Davies; Aaron Ramsey, Andy King, Jose Ledley (David Brooks m.46), Harry Wilson (George Thomas m.64); Sam Vokes (John Declan m.46), Tom Lawrence (Matthew Smith m.80). Head Coach: Ryan Gibbs.
