MEXICO
Mexico players receive special gifts after Australia game
Experienced striker Raúl Jiménez recorded his 100th appearance for El Tri, while Jordi Cortizo and Cesar Huerta made their debuts.
After the 2-2 draw with Australia a trio of Mexican stars were awarded special gifts by head coach Jaime Lozano.
Jordi Cortizo and Cesar Huerta made their El Tri debuts against Australia, with Huerta in particular impressing in his first outing. The 22-year-old forward added some much-needed impetus and scored a late equaliser.
Both players were given footballs signed by the rest of the Mexican squad.
At the other end of his international career, Raúl Jiménez made his 100th appearance for Mexico when he came on as a second half substitute against Australia. Jiménez scored a penalty to spark the Mexican comeback and was presented with a trophy after completing a century of international appearances.
Huerta and Cortizo make the most of Mexico opportunity
Both players came on for their international debuts with their team losing against a well-drilled and resolute Australia side. Huerta entered the fray on the left wing and was a threat throughout, capping his first Mexico appearance with a well-taken goal with less than ten minutes remaining.
Cortizo’s influence was less decisive but he too impressed on his debut. The 27-year-old Monterrey midfielder replaced Orbelín Pineda and slotted in well as El Tri pushed for the equaliser.
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Presenting the duo with signed footballs, Lozano said that they had worked hard for their opportunity:
“I know you’ve earned it and I know it’s hard to make it to the senior team, so I look forward to many many more games from you.”
He continued: “Take care of your place, keep working to become better players. You can generate that internal competition.”
Raúl Jiménez reaches Mexico milestone
Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez celebrated his 100th appearance for El Tri last Friday, marking the occasion with a coolly-taken penalty. The 32-year-old made his debut back in 2013 in a 1-1 draw against Denmark.
He has become a stalwart for the national team, replacing Mexican legend Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez in recent years. After coming off the bench against Australia Jiménez became just the 15th player to reach a century of appearances for the men’s national team.
When he handed over the award to Jiménez, Lozano paid tribute to his “effort, quality, and above all consistency” to reach the milestone.
He added that “only 15 have made it [to 100 Mexico appearances], and two are here,” nodding to Guillermo Ochoa and Héctor Moreno.
Lozano continued: “Congratulations and may there be many more. Continue writing your story.”