Wales earn creditable draw against Mexico

May 29, 2018
Posted by Steven Tan | Source from Football Association of Wales (FAW)
Wales played out a goalless draw with Mexico at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena in front of 82,395 fans – as Ryan Giggs’ team frustrated their World Cup-bound opponents
 
Wales suffered a blow early on in the fixture as captain Ashley Williams was forced into leaving the pitch through injury. 
 
As Williams cleared the ball under pressure from Javier Hernandez, the Wales captain fell awkwardly and injured what appeared to be his ribs. Being unable to carry on, he was replaced by Tom Lockyer.  
 
After Jesus Manuel Corona forced Wayne Hennessey into pushing the ball around his left post, Harry Wilson came close for Wales following some nice play. 
 
After Chris Gunter cut in-field, he played the ball out wide to Wilson on the right. Wilson evaded the challenges of several Mexican defenders before opening up space to shoot. His strike was well hit but curled just wide of Jesús Corona’s right-hand post.
 
Wayne Hennessey makes a fine save to deny Mexico.
 
Mexico always looked dangerous and could have taken the lead moments before half-time through their captain, Hector Herrera. However, Hennessey made another fine save to tip the shot over the crossbar. 
 
Giggs made three further changes at half-time, wanting to see as many of his players get time on the pitch. David Brooks, Connor Roberts and Declan John all came off the bench to replace their more experienced teammates – Joe Ledley, Chris Gunter and Sam Vokes respectively.
 
Two debuts were also handed out in the second half as George Thomas and Matt Smith came onto the pitch for Wilson and Tom Lawrence. 
 
Despite not looking likely to break the deadlock themselves, Wales frustrated their Mexican opponents with some dogged defending as they dug deep to prevent Herrera, Oribe Peralta and Jurgenn Damm with their efforts. 
 
Giggs will be happy with the goalless draw in Los Angeles in addition to providing many players with some game time in order to strengthen the experience in his squad. 
 
Mexico: Corona; Alvarez, Ayala, Alanis (Salcedo 45), Gallardo; Molina (Damm 45), Herrera (J dos Santos 61), Gutierrez (Fabian 74); JM Corona (G dos Santos 69), Aquino, Hernandez (Peralta 59).
Subs: Ochoa, Lozano, Vela, Peralta, Jimenez.
 
Wales: Hennessey, Gunter (John 45), Mepham, Williams (C) (Lockyer 20), Davies, Ledley (Roberts 45), King, Ramsey, Wilson (Thomas 64), Lawrence (Smith 81), Vokes (Brooks 45).
Subs: Maxwell, Davies, Richards, Evans, Hedges, Bradshaw.
 
Ryan Giggs satisfied with Wales display - Wales manager Ryan Giggs reacts to Wales' hard fought goalless draw against Mexico in Los Angeles.
 

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