The Mexico national football team announced on January 2025 thate Mxico played an interesting friendly match against Internacional (Sports Club Internacional) at the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The match was a part of Mexico’s South American trip for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match also showed the current state of the Mexican team and their strategy and strength for the upcoming tournament.
First Half: Mexico’s aggressive performance
The match started with Mexico. The team started putting pressure on the world level from the initial minutes. The team’s midfielder Eric Lira and winger Jesus Gallardo worked well. In the 34th minute, Gallardo made a brilliant pass, which Eric Lira sent into the net, dodging the goalkeeper. This goal gave Mexico a 1-0 lead and gave hope to the team.
International also tried to counter-attack, but Mexico’s defense did not give them a chance. International strikers were tied down by central defenders Nestor Araújo and Cesar Montes.
Second Half Changes and Strategies
Both teams fielded players from their bench in the second half. Internacional tried to strengthen the midfield, while Mexico continued its aggressive policy. The game slowed down a bit at the beginning of this half. After the 70th minute, Internacional attacked the Mexican goal post several times. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa kept his team ahead by making excellent saves.
Defining moment
Mexico again became violent in the final minutes. In the 88th minute, Elias Montiel made a long pass, which was controlled brilliantly by Jorge Ruvalcaba. He dodged the goalkeeper and sent the ball into the net. With this goal, Mexico took an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Significance of Mexico’s victory
Mexico’s victory was not just a friendly game; it was also an opportunity to boost the team’s confidence. This performance shows that the team’s preparations are in the right direction, and they are strong contenders for the 2026 World Cup. The team coach also praised the players, “Our team played brilliantly. We have an opportunity to learn something new and strengthen ourselves on this trip. We will perform even better in the upcoming matches.”
International performance
Sport Club International also tried to give their best in this match. The defense line and midfield made some excellent moves, but could not stand in front of Mexico’s precise strategy. The International coach, while accepting his team’s defeat, said that the energy and dedication with which Mexico played was commendable.
Upcoming matches
Now Mexico is preparing for their next South American trip. Their next match will be against River Plate in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 21 January 2025. Also, River Plate is one of the most powerful clubs in South America, so this match will be a big challenge for them.