Tecatito and Vela score as Mexico beat Republic of Ireland 3-1

Mexico ended their preparation ahead of their World Cup Qualifiers against Honduras and the United States by defeating the Republic of Ireland 3-1 on Thursday.

After a match full of uncertainty where Juan Carlos Osorio’s men stumbled against Croatia over the weekend, El Tri needed a big result against Ireland, and they started the match brightly, with Jesus “Tecatito” Corona firing the mexicans into the lead after just 16 minutes.

Tecatito, who had missed Mexico’s previous games through injury, made his presence known right away by finishing off an early breakaway with a brilliant right-footed strike.

Soon after scoring Osorio's men were threatening again as Carlos Vela was especially impressive for El Tri. In the 24th minute, Vela earned a penalty, which Raul Jimenez had no problem scoring to put the score at 2-0.

Mexico’s good half was followed with a third goal when Oribe Peralta turned a saved shot into an assist, helping Carlos Vela grab a much deserved goal.

Ireland did eventually have a response when a bad clearance from Oswaldo Alanis finished with Stephen Gleeson decorating the scoreline at 3-1. At the end, however, Mexico held on comfortably to win their final tune-up game ahead of their forthcoming qualifiers.

Mexico next take the field on Thursday against Honduras at the Estadio Azteca before facing the United States three days later.