Mexico lost again just before the start of the 2024 Copa América, now against Brazil, just a few days after Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguayan team thrashed El Tri by 4-0, as the Mexicans suffered another heartbreaking defeat now by a 3-2 score in a friendly match held at Kyle Field in Texas on Saturday evening.
In the previous match against Uruguay, the Mexican team had given some reserve players a chance to prove themselves. However, for the match against Brazil, coach Jaime Lozano opted for a more experienced lineup, with the exception of the injured goalkeeper, Luis Ángel Malagón.
The match saw an early goal from Hugo Pereira in the 5th minute, setting the tone for the South Americans. Gabriel Martinelli added to their lead in the 54th minute. However, Mexico fought back, with Julián Quiñones scoring in the 73rd minute and Guillermo Martinez equalizing in the 90+2 minute. The game seemed to be heading for a draw, but Endrick’s goal in the 95th minute sealed the win for the five-time World Cup Champions.
Brazil fielded a team that included many players expected to be in their starting lineup. At the same time, Mexico played with a squad that is 90% likely to be the one competing in the Copa América.
Brazil took an early lead
Less than five minutes into the match, the five-time world champions took the lead with a quick play. Andrés Pereira slipped between two Mexican defenders and, from the edge of the box, fired an unstoppable shot past Julio González.
Brazil then became more cautious with the ball, and Mexico couldn’t find a way to equalize in the first half despite starting with the Gimenez-Quiñones duo on the field.
The second half continued in the same vein, with Brazil being quicker than Mexico in areas like midfield, where the Aztec squad kept losing the ball. In a quick play, Martinelli took the ball to the sides to score the second goal, which seemed like a knockout for Jaime Lozano’s squad.
Mexico finally reacts, but fails to secure the result
Finally, the Mexican team began to react. After stopping a counterattack, Antuna passed to Alexis Vega, who took the Brazilian defense to the goal line and delivered a cross Quiñones sent into the back of the net.
Mexico started finding their rhythm after a brief pause in the game for the anti-homophobia protocol. In stoppage time, Guillermo Martínez scored after two attempts from a corner kick, sparking celebrations among the Mexican fans in Texas.
However, Brazilian experience and the advantage of having Real Madrid players weighed in the final moments. Endrick headed in a cross from the left to beat Julio González and secure the final score.