Following last week's 3-2 win over Costa Rica, Mexico wrapped up the international break with a 1-0 friendly loss to Chile on Tuesday night. Despite Mexico's promising start to the clash, which included a few dangerous opportunities, Chile eventually took charge with a late resurgence that helped secure a goal in the 89th minute by Nicolas Castillo.
Positives
Throughout the entire first half, Mexico looked much proactive and energetic than Chile when it came to the attack. With more possession and momentum, El Tri was able to create clear cut chances that nearly provided an early goal. Were it not for some poor finishing from a number of players, Mexico could have easily clinched a win.
Negatives
That poor finishing must be brought up. Whether it be through Marco Fabian, Raul Jimenez or Jurgen Damm, the home side just couldn't find the back of the net on Tuesday. Defensively, the backline also looked shaky once the opposition stole possession away.
Another negative worth bringing up is the gradual fatigue that seemed to effect the entire squad. As the match progressed, Chile began to capitalize on the Mexican side that appeared sluggish.
Manager rating (out of 10)
7 -- Little fault can be put on interim manager Ricardo "Tuca" Ferretti. The coach, who went with his best options available against Chile, provided an opportunity to all of Mexico's European-based talent in the starting XI. If fingers must be pointed, they should be focusing on the players and not Ferretti.
Player ratings (1-10, with 10 the best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Hugo Gonzalez, 7 -- Despite the fact that Gonzalez was at fault for the late game-winner for Chile, the South American team could have had at least two more goals if it weren't for his impressive saves. He later was subbed off with an injury that occured on the goal.
DF Luis Rodriguez, 5 -- "Chaka" was sometimes involved in the build-up through the right flank, but also lacked a strong defensive presence late into the match. Once Chile's men started to find their rhythm, Rodriguez couldn't do much to slow them down.
DF Diego Reyes, 5 -- Now at 26 years of age, it's fair to expect more of Reyes. The Fenerbahce player continues to have issues finding the proper amount of poise and tenacity for a central defender. Chile had no problems slipping past him in the 2nd half.
DF Nestor Araujo, 6 -- Not the best night for Araujo. He provided some vital clearances but also couldn't form much of a defensive partnership with Reyes. Once Chile started to step up, that feeble partnership quickly began to fall apart.
DF Jesus Gallardo, 4 -- One good cross isn't enough to salvage his night. Gallardo was a defensive liability throughout the game and was fortunate to not earn a yellow after a clear foul early on in the loss.
MF Javier Guemez, 6 -- An average match for Guemez. The defensive midfielder provided a handful of crucial tackles, but was also occasionally caught chasing the ball during Chile's counters.
MF Marco Fabian, 6 -- There was something slightly off from the captain who almost found the back of the net. Although Fabian should be given credit for his playmaking, a number of his passes and shots proved to be inaccurate and ineffective.
MF Erick Gutierrez, 7 -- One of Mexico's better players. Gutierrez's distribution did plenty to highlight why he is going to be a key figure in the next generation of talent for El Tri. The PSV Eindhoven was unlucky to finish the friendly without an assist.
FW Jesus Corona, 6 -- An intriguing start to the match was quickly hindered by a knock to one of his shins in the 1st half. Corona attempted his usual flashy moves and runs, but was not nearly as graceful or nimble after being hit.
FW Raul Jimenez, 6 -- Jimenez didn't come out with the same hunger or drive seen against Costa Rica last week. It was good to see his reliable hold-up play in the frontline, but other than that, there isn't much to say about the striker.
FW Hirving Lozano, 8 -- Everything seemed to revolve around "Chucky." When he wasn't being fouled consistently by Chile, Lozano produced a number of dangerous passes and crosses in the final third. All that said, he was also caught flopping a couple of times.
Substitutes
FW Jurgen Damm, 4 -- Substituted in for Corona during the 62nd minute. Damm didn't provide the much-needed energy that Mexico needed in the 2nd half. A clear opportunity missed yards away from net perfectly summarized his cameo appearance.
MF Erick Aguirre, 6 -- Substituted in for Guemez during the 63rd minute. While Guemez was superior defensively, Aguirre was better with his distribution going forward. Either way, both players still have much to prove before becoming a reliable defensive midfielder for El Tri.
FW Isaac Brizuela, 5 -- Substituted in for Fabian during the 63rd minute. The 28-year-old couldn't do much in the attack for Mexico. Brizuela failed to be a threat on the right wing against Chile.
FW Henry Martin, N/A -- Substituted in for Lozano during the 81st minute.
GK Raul Gudino, N/A -- Substituted in for Gonzalez during the 94th minute.