Mexico 2-2 Australia
ARLINGTON, TX–Goals from Raul Jimenez and Cesar Huerta gave Mexico a 2-2 draw against Australia before 52,787 at AT&T Stadium. Harry Souttar put the Socceroos ahead in the 16th minute heading in a corner. Mexico had a chance initially to equalize from the penalty spot following a handball in the box in the 56th minute, but Santiago Gimenez would strike his spot kick off the post.
Seven minutes later, Australia would get a penalty after Riley McGree was tripped up in the box. Martin Boyle converted that spot kick to put Australia 2-0 up. However, substitutes Raul Jimenez and Cesar Huerta, who had entered the game at the hour mark, would make an impact.
Mexico would get another penalty in the 70th minute and Jimenez would score to pull one back. A second would come six minutes from time as a breakdown in defending allowed Huerta to equalize.
Playing on the turf of AT&T Stadium has its hazards and Australia coach Graham Arnold attributed both of Mexico’s goals to the turf and also admitted he chose his lineup with the turf in consideration.
“I’ve already looked at the goals conceded. If it was on normal grass, both of those balls would have gone through to Maty Ryan or out,” said Arnold.
“It’s completely different to what the players are used to … normal grass is softer. They will struggle to probably walk for five days after this, I think, after playing on the artificial,” he said. “It’s clear to see that it’s a difficult surface to play on.”
Ziro Castellanos was our photo guy for this friendly. You can view a sample below and more by clicking on the link.
