Sports

Mexico and Nigeria end in a 0-0 draw

El Tri continues preparations for the World Cup.

ATLANTA - The Mexican National Team continued their preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a friendly match against another World Cup bound team; Nigeria. The match ended in an exciting 0-0 draw in the Georgiadome of Atlanta.

Since this was the only official FIFA date prior to the start of the World Cup, this was the only opportunity for manager Miguel "Piojo" Herrera to see the team with the European based players.

Players like goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, Andres Guardado, hector Herrera, and even Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez were playing for their spot on the final 23 man roster that will travel to Brazil.

It was Ochoa who had the superb performance above all other players being a big reason why the scored ended in a 0-0 draw. hector Herrera had an acceptable performance. While Guardado and Hernandez leave a lot of doubts whether they'll make the World Cup squad.

Right from the start it was the Africans who came in and pressured the Mexicans high up the field. Their pressured caused Mexican players to give up possession of the ball rather easily; causing dangerous plays on the Mexican goal.

Veteran defender and team captain played a bad pass while dribbling out of defense and then got left behind on speed. The Nigerian forward had a free shot in front of Ochoa who stood his ground and blocked the shot.

Little by little and by the 20th minute Mexico were able to level the game and take control first of the ball and then the game. Striker Oribe Peralta was one of the most dangerous players in the first half. He battled and won divided balls, had some shots from different types of angels, but could not find the back of the net.

Mexican National Team manager Miguel Herrera sent in several changes for the second half, but always maintaining his same formation. Alan Pulido, and Raul Jimenez offered different movements at the top and created dangerous opportunities.

Hector Herrera was dropped back to a holding midfield position when Carlos Peña was brought into the game. And Javier Aquino was also put in during the second half but could not be a difference maker.

In the end it was goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa who stood out as the man of the match for keeping his clean sheet and denying the Nigerians from handing Mexico a loss.

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jonny.rico@sandiegored.com (Follow Jonny Rico on Facebook and Twitter)

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