MEXICO CITY – The Mexican National Team ended their first World Cup preparation match with a 3-0 win over Israel in the Estadio Azteca. The matched severed as the official send-off party and as well as a tribute to Mexican legend Cuauhtemoc Blanco who played a little over 35 minutes.
The honored boy; Blanco, was put into the starting lineup. Blanco once again showed his class and leadership as he commanded the Mexico attack right from the start. Blanco would drop from his forward position into the midfield for the ball then send his trademark precision passes.
He was eventually replaced by Club America youngster Raul Jimenez.
Mexico had tried through the short quick passes to build its attacks, but didn't seem to know how to break down the organized Israeli defensive wall. After struggling for about 40 minutes, left wing-back Miguel Layun tried his luck from long distance and beat the visiting goalkeeper to open the score.
For the second half it was more of the same. Mexico trying to build the attack through the short and quick passes on the ground. But it would be Miguel Layun once again with his long distance shot that beat the goalkeeper for the second time.
A big scary moment for the home side came when goalkeeper Jesus Corona collided with teammate Francisco Javier Rodriguez. Corona had to be stretchered off and taken to a hospital for check up. Guillermo Ochoa was subbed into the goal for the rest of the match.
With the two goal lead Mexico continued to dominate the possession of the ball and close to the end of the match found a third and final goal through Marco Fabian who had had a quiet game up until that point.
Mexico will now travel to the USA where they will play three more preparation matches before heading to Brazil to compete in the FIFA World Cup. The next match will be on Saturday afternoon against Ecuador.
Stay connected to the Facebook and Twitter pages of SanDiegoRed for more local San Diego/ Tijuana news.
jonny.rico@sandiegored.com (Follow Jonny Rico on Facebook and Twitter)
