Football
2019 International Friendly, 2019 International Friendly
MEX 
3
FT
 CHI
1
ESPN 5y

Second-half show gives Mexico win over Chile in 'Tata' Martino's debut

Mexico scored three times in 14 minutes to secure a 3-1 win over Chile in an international friendly on Friday.

The win at San Diego's SDCCU Stadium ensured Gerardo "Tata" Martino's tenure as Mexico boss started on a positive note following his hiring from MLS side Atlanta United in January. 

While both sides had solid opportunities throughout the first half, the South Americans looked more dangerous in the final third of the pitch. Chile's best chance came in the 14th minute when Arturo Vidal's excellent header was thwarted by Guillermo Ochoa's diving save.

Mexico nearly took the lead at the start of the second half when Raul Jimenez saw his shot ricochet off the post after the Wolverhampton striker handled a high ball over the Chilean defense. 

Carlos Salcedo drew a penalty for Mexico in the 52nd minute and Jimenez made up for the earlier unlucky bounce by converting for Mexico's first goal. 

Hector Moreno headed home a corner kick in the 64th minute and Hirving Lozano chipped a shot over the Chilean goalkeeper's head less than a minute later to put the contest out of Chile's reach.

Nicolas Castillo pulled one back for Chile in the 69th minute, sinking a cross from Eugenio Mena past Ochoa. 

Mexico will next play Tuesday against Paraguay in Santa Clara, California. The Chileans face the United States on that day in Houston. 

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