Mexico beat Paraguay 4-2 to stay perfect under Martino

Mexico scored three times in the first half as El Tri remained perfect under Gerardo “Tata” Martino with a 4-2 win over Paraguay.

Jonathan dos Santos had Mexico in front after just six minutes when an error at the back from Bruno Valdez gifted El Tri the lead.

That led to a period of dominance from Mexico, and three minutes later, El Tri extended their lead following an own goal from Gustavo Gomez.

Mexico were not done, and in the 24th minute, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez latched on to a superb through ball from Jonathan dos Santos for the third goal of the night.

Shortly after the break, Paraguay coach Eduardo Berizzo brought on Miguel Almiron and Oscar Romero, changing the shape of the team in the process.

Berizzo’s substitutions seemed to have worked, and 14 minutes into the second period, Hernan Perez was sent through by Oscar Romero to pull Paraguay within two.

But four minutes later, Almiron received a red card for a horrendous tackle on Jose Juan “Gallito” Vazquez, leaving La Albirroja down to 10 men.

Mexico then gave Paraguay a lifeline when thanks to a mistake from Jorge Sanchez in defense Derlis Gonzalez was able to send a glancing shot past Raul Gudiño.

The last few moments proved nervy for El Tri, but Luis Montes eventually sealed the victory for Martino’s men when a headed pass from Alexis Vega put the León midfielder on path to notch the fourth and final goal of the match.

With the result, Mexico are two out of two under Gerardo “Tata” Martino and will now look forward to two friendlies in June ahead of the 2019 Gold Cup.