Mexico vs. USA: Halftime score 0-0, No goals after 45 minutes at Azteca
It wasn’t the most exciting first half but that’s not a bad thing if you’re a fan of the United States
Both sides had their chances and while Mexico was the more dangerous side, it was a fairly solid half for the United States. After 45 minutes of play at the Estadio Azteca, the US and Mexico remain scoreless in their 2014 World Cup qualifier.
DeMarcus Beasley picked up a yellow card for taking down Giovani Dos Santos in the 8th minute and have Mexico their first dangerous set piece of the match The subsequent free kick whizzed through the box and out for a goal kick but it was definitely a nervy moment for the US.
The US came very close to opening the scoring in the 15th minute on their first corner of the match after Geoff Cameron's header went just wide of the Mexico goal. Had it gone in, it wouldn't have counted as the referee had blown his whistle for a bit of a ghost foul.
Matt Besler picked up a yellow card in the 20th minute for a profession foul on Giovani dos Santos in the midfield to prevent a break on goal. No doubt it was a foul and no doubt on the card, but it will only make things more difficult going forward with two US defenders carrying cards.
Javier Hernandez got a good chance in the 21st minute, getting in-between two US defenders and heading a cross over the crossbar. Omar Gonzalez did a pretty good job of marking Chicharito and had good position but it was a definitely a shot across the bow for the defense.
Mexico came close in the 26th minute on a set piece when Jesus Zavala was left unmarked at the far post and got a free header on frame. Brad Guzan was in the right place and made a fairly easy catch on the attempt. Two minutes later Jorge Torres Nilo got loose on the left wing and sent a cross that was mishit over the bar as Chicharito and dos Santos seemed to get in each other's way.
Michael Bradley broke free in the Mexico area and nearly got onto a great ball from Jozy Altidore. Before he could make a play, he was tackled well by Torres Nilo and the two players collided and went down injured for a few moments. Both were able to continue.
The US was definitely the better side in the final 15 minutes of the half and it will be interesting to see what adjustments the two coaches make during the break.
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