Mexico’s U-20 Brazilian tour ends with two draws

Mexico’s U-20 team tied Brazil 0-0 in Manaus, Brazil. The game was the second played in a week as Mexico took advantage of the FIFA break to visit the South American country and play the hosts twice. On Friday, El Tri had perviously played the Brazilians to a 1-1 tie. The tour became somewhat of a success, especially in seeing some of the young players of the team, like Diego Lainez and Jose Juan Macias, showcase their talent. The U-20 team is starting its preparation for next year’s CONCACAF U-20 Qualifiers and U-20 World Cup, should they book their ticket.

Mexico’s tour started on Monday when Mexico’s U-20 team left for Brazil about the same time the Senior team left for their friendlies in the United States. The team was composed of notable players like America’s Diego Lainez, Carlos Vargas, Jose Juan Macias of Chivas and Pachuca’s Roberto de la Rosa. Both games were played in the Amazon city of Manaus.

On Friday, they tied 1-1. Macias opened the scoring early on, but Brazil tied the game in the second half. On Sunday, Mexico and Brazil played again to a scoreless tie. Diego Lainez shined through, but Mexico couldn’t break the Brazilian defense, even when they had the best chances. In the final minute of the game, Mexico had the best chance of the match. A cross fell to a wide open Adrian Lozano, who hit his left footed shot too wide and wasted a clear chance.

Despite the results, Mexico showed some good things, not only in Brazil but in the city of Manaus. Manaus is in the middle of the Amazon forest and has some of the highest levels of humidity, Mexico, though, competed physically throughout.

The team now returns to Mexico on Tuesday, where the players will return to their respective club. Hopefully this will mean more playing time, especially for a player like Diego Lainez. The phenom showed his talent is still there and the case can be made that America’s coach, Miguel Herrera, is wrong in not giving him more playing time.