Mexico defeat Scotland 1-0 in pre-World Cup friendly

Mexico gave a good demonstration but missed numerous scoring opportunities despite beating Scotland 1-0 on Saturday in a friendly at the Azteca stadium before travelling to the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Giovani Dos Santos of the United States side LA Galaxy, scored a goal in the 13th minute to give Mexico the win, reports Efe.

The Mexicans came out with a formation similar to the one they will use against Germany on June 17 in their first match at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and soon began to dominate against a rival with only four attackers.

In the 13th minute, Carlos Vela put the ball to Dos Santos, who shot from the left, hit the post and put the score at 1-0.

Scotland were thrown back waiting for coach Juan Carlos Osorio's trusted troika, who came in the 27th minute with a shot from Miguel Layún to the post, in the 30th with a shot on the goal by Hector Herrera and in the 37th with another of Hirving Lozano, stopped by goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.

The second half began with a rebellion of the Europeans who in the 49th were about to tie with a shot from Oliver McBurnie, whose shot hit the post.

Mexico, who on Monday could not beat Wales, repeatedly erred again on Saturday. At 53 minutes Carlos Vela had everything to score and failed and in the 66th minute Hirving Lozano finished with the defeated goalkeeper but the ball hit the crossbar.

A distraction from the Mexican defence in the 68th minute gave respite to Scotland, however the Mexicans continued with their forward lines and maintained dominance in the middle of the court. Lozano accepted a pass from Miguel Layún in the 72nd minute and substitute goalkeeper Jordan Archer saved Scotland.

Mexico let go three more chances. Marco Fabian shot above the goal at 87 minutes and Corona missed two plays with an advantage in the area in the 88th and 89th minutes.

The Mexicans will travel to Copenhagen on Sunday, where they will face Denmark on June 9 in the last friendly before the World Cup.

--IANS

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