Uruguay Confidently Triumphs Over An Unorganized Mexico at Mile High

Uruguay defeated Mexico 4-0 on the field, and with wise words from Biesla off the field.

Denver, Colorado | Empower Field at Mile High, home of the second match for the Mexican National Team in their MexTour of friendlies ahead of this summer’s 2024 Copa America. With well over 57,000 fans attending the match for an international friendly, it was Mexico hosting Uruguay in a match of two regional juggernauts. 

Mexico, led by head coach Jaime Lozano, came with a different and untested group of players ahead of this match for further evaluation ahead of the Copa America. This ended up costing them greatly, as they did not field a strong enough lineup to face Marcelo Biesla’s Uruguay. Although Mexico had the likes of Edson Alvarez, Santi Gimenez, and Marcelo Flores - only Edson was involved in the game, and did not play well. There is wonder if Lozano will implement different rotations ahead of their next friendly match against Brazil.

Uruguay opened up the scoring early in the game through Darwin Nunez, who ended up having a fantastic performance netting himself three goals against Mexico. Later in the first half, Facundo Pellistri found his opportunity and doubled Uruguay’s lead. To close off the first half, Darwin Nunez was perfectly positioned for a clear shot to tuck in the third goal. 

Mexico had a mountain to climb to cut down the 3-0 halftime deficit and showcase they are more competitive and came to play. Unfortunately for them, there was no message strong enough at half time to encourage and motivate the players to play better, as Mexico conceded the fourth goal just four minutes into the second half. Scored by Darwin Nunez to top off his hat trick.

The game ended early after multiple fans invaded the pitch, discriminatory rules were broken, and drinks were thrown on the field. The result painted an overall picture of where the current organizations are headed, Uruguay in the right direction ahead of Copa America and Mexico still has a lot of questions that need to be answered.

Mexico NT Starting XI

Head Coach Jaime Lozano brought a handful of different players to evaluate ahead of the summer Copa America. With the challenge of playing at high altitude with dry hot hair against a tough opponent, a lineup of mostly domestic LIGA MX players ran a 4-2-3-1 formation. 

In goal, Chivas Guadalajara goalkeeper Jose Rangel started and played the whole game, and conceded four goals but was involved a lot with his feet in starting the attacks for Mexico. Gerardo Arteaga (Monterrey) and Brian Garcia (Toluca) started at the fullback positions to provide width and pace on the outside. The center back pairing of two performing domestic players, Jesus Orozco (Chivas) and Victor Guzman (Monterrey) did not settle well and was unable to stop the Uruguayan attacks of Facundo Pellistri, Darwin Nunez, and Maximiliano Araujo. 

Fernando Beltran (Chivas) and Edson Alvarez (West Ham) were the double pivot for Mexico in the middle controlling the tempo of the game and possession. Roberto Alvarado (Chivas) and Cesar Huerta (Chivas) both started on the flanks to try and exploit the space out wide and capitalize on their pace. 

Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens) started the game at the number ten position for Mexico and played 84 minutes only getting one shot off. Guillermo Martinez (Club Universidad Nacional) started the game up top for Mexico and was unable to get a shot off all game. 

Uruguay Starting XI

Head Coach Marcelo Biesla arrived in Denver with a confident mindset and fielded a strong lineup to showcase that they are a strong opposition and a favorite to consider for the upcoming Copa America. Although a handful of players that were selected were playing abroad on top teams in Europe, a handful of domestic players were selected, and two Major League Soccer players. 

Representing Major League Soccer, both players on Orlando City SC, were Facundo Torres and Cesar Araujo.

Marcelo Biesla also opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation.

In goal, keeping a shoutout and not having to do much all game, was Sergio Rochet (Internacional). Rochet’s biggest save came in the second half after blocking a near post free kick shot.

Nahitan Nandez (Cagliari) and Lucas Olaza (FC Krasnodar) both played in the fullback position and played exceptionally well providing width and locking down the opposition wingers. Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid) captained the side and led a strong defense. Next to Gimenez was Mathias Olivera (Napoli) pairing up with Gimenez to be the possible center back pairing for Copa America. 

Rodrigo Bentacur (Tottenham Hotspur) and Manuel Ugarte (Paris Saint-Germain) paired up as the double pivot for Uruguay. A notable and strong presence in the midfield as they both held possession for the team and initiated counter attacks that led to goals. 

Facundo Pellistri (Manchester United) and Maximiliano Araujo (Toluca) provided the width for the Uruguay attack and both managed an assist. Pellistri also managed to get a goal himself, the second of the game. Brian Rodriguez (CF America) started at the center attacking midfield position and played exceptionally well providing support for the striker and playing through balls to the wingers on through goal. 

Leading the line up front was Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez. An enormous performance from Nunez who bagged himself a hat trick being in the right position and tucking his chances away.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead both teams will fully prepare and announce their rosters for the upcoming 2024 Copa America tournament. Mexico has one more friendly left, that is against Brazil on June 8th, before their Copa America campaign. 

Uruguay will open up their Copa America campaign on June 23rd against Panama. Uruguay are in Group C with Bolivia, Panama, and the United States.

All photos by: Brian Martagon De La Rosa (Area Sports Network)