CHICAGO, June 6 (Xinhua) — Mexico’s attacking concerns escalated on Sunday following a goalless draw with Ecuador in their international friendly at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
El Tri looked more assertive in possession but had just two shots on target – compared to Ecuador’s one attempt – in a match of few clear scoring chances.
The result came just three days after Mexico were routed 3-0 by Uruguay in Phoenix and it leaves El Tri manager Gerardo Martino with more questions than answers as he prepares for the World Cup later this year.
His prime concern is a forward set-up that again looked bereft of ideas on Sunday, with the trident of Raul Jimenez, Alexis Vega and Jesus Corona failing to trouble the Ecuador defense.
Martino will have more chances to find a solution to Mexico’s attacking woes when his men confront Suriname and Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League on June 11 and 14.
The fixtures will be among the Argentine manager’s last opportunities to test his squad before the World Cup, to be played in Qatar from November 21 to December 18.
Mexico have been drawn in Group C for the showpiece tournament alongside Poland, Argentina and Saudi Arabia. Ecuador, meanwhile, have been pitted against Qatar, the Netherlands and Senegal in Group A.
In other international friendlies on Sunday, the United States were held to a 0-0 home draw by Uruguay, Argentina routed Estonia 5-0, Colombia overcame Saudi Arabia 1-0 and Peru overcame New Zealand 1-0.
