Brazil, United States, Mexico and Argentina regrouped for a friendly
Photo courtesy of Global Panorama.
Mexico vs. Argentina
2 – 2
Tuesday, September 8
In Arlington, Texas, a premature Mexico went up against South American giant Argentina in front of 82,000 fans. Mexico was lining up with many doubts and speculations among fans.
Mexico’s coach Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti had been criticized since he didn’t call up the dos Santos brothers which had a good run in the Gold Cup earlier this year. Instead, Mexico’s lineup included many European superstars such as Javier Hernandez, Carlos Vela and the return of international Rafael Marquez.
Argentina’s lineup included world class player Lionel Messi and many other superstars such as Sergio Aguero from Manchester City and Juventus’ very own Carlos Tevez. Argentina dominated the first 10 minutes of the first half.
As Mexico started gaining momentum, Nicholas Otamandi committed a foul on Raul Jimenez which cost Argentina a goal and ultimately the first goal after Hernandez converted. As many critics went on to say, Mexico played one of the best halves they’ve played since they faced Netherlands in November of last year.
The second half began with both teams fighting for supremacy. Mexican keeper Moises Munoz helped keep Mexico’s lead with his saves. In the 70th minute, Porto’s Hector Herrera shot a rocket which the Argentinean keeper wouldn’t be able to hold, leading to Mexico’s second goal.
Argentina then went on to show why they are ranked first in the world as they dominated throughout the rest of the game. Thanks to Munoz’s efforts, the Mexican goal remained scoreless until the last four minutes of the game where Aguero and Messi would score to end the game at a draw.
U.S.A. vs. Brazil
1 – 4
Tuesday, September 8
Motivated from a previous win against Peru, the United States went up against Brazil at Gillette Stadium in Boston, Mass. The game started with high intensity as Hulk gave Brazil the advantage in the first seven minutes of the game. After the goal, the U.S. got back in form with various opportunities in the first half. The remainder of the half turned out to be much of a stalemate between the two sides with both the United States and Brazil testing keepers Guzan and Grohe, respectively.
Barcelona superstar, Neymar, came in as a sub in the 46th minute replacing Willian. Neymar proved useful to put away Brazil’s second goal in the 51st minute from the penalty spot.
After the penalty, Neymar made himself present in the game and he helped Brazil dominate the remainder of the game. Rafinha put one away in the 64th and Neymar put another one in the back of the net in the 67th minute, both of which were assisted by PSG’s Lucas.
The United States started to retaliate on the field when Jurgen Klinsmann brought in NYFC midfielder Mix Diskerud in the 72nd minute. Danny Williams was able to bring the United States to the scoreboard with the help of an assist by Tim Ream in the first minute of compensation time, ending the game with a well-fought win for Brazil.
