Luis Suarez scores twice as Uruguay thrash Mexico 4-1

Uruguay’s Luis Suarez hit a brace as the Barcelona striker shone in a comfortable 4-1 win over Mexico on Friday. It was both team’s first game following their participation in the 2018 World Cup.

With the majority of Mexico’s key players unavailable for selection and with Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti as interim manager, Mexico officially begun their post-Osorio era trying to push a generational change against the country ranked fifth in the world.

Undeterred, Mexico needed just a few minutes to have their first chance of the game when Hirving “Chucky” Lozano forced Fernando Muslera to a good save.

But it was Uruguay who would strike first when Jose Maria Jimenez rose above his defender to head in a Jonathan Urretaviscaya corner.

Uruguay had offered very little before that, and only moments later, Chucky showed his blistering space as he earned a penalty off a Rodrigo Bentancur foul. Raul Jimenez stepped up and grabbed Mexico an immediate equalizer.

Luis Suarez, the leader of this Uruguay side, was involved just about everywhere, and in the 32nd minute, Suarez scored a marvelous free kick to regive the South Americans the lead.

Suarez’s goal started an Uruguayan onslaught and didn’t take long for them to capitalize. 20-year-old Jesus Angulo had looked a little lost in his debut and made a crucial mistake by conceding a penalty five minutes from the break. Suarez took full advantage from the spot to put the score at 3-1.

After halftime, the Mexican chances did start coming again, with Fernando Muslera once again playing a big role with a pair of good saves.

However, Suarez completed a brilliant night when his rabona pass ended with Gaston Pereira scoring Uruguay’s fourth.

Mexico’s final minutes were used to give the youngsters a chance, and as expected, Diego Lainez and Roberto Alvarado were handed their long-awaited debut. The latter caused all sorts of problems for Uruguay’s defense and earned Mexico a second penalty in the 73rd minute.

Jimenez, however, was unable to replicate the success of his first spot kick, and Muslera dived to his right to save Raul’s penalty.

Mexico had one final chance to decorate the scoreline when Victor Guzman’s acrobatic attempt forced Muslera to another superb save.

At the end, the final scoreline ended with a convincing 4-1 win in favor of the Uruguayans. Mexico’s next game will be in four days against the United States at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.