Stalemate for Mexico, Nigeria [at least they were not beaten] Mexico and Nigeria played out an evenly-matched 0-0 draw in front of a record crowd for Atlanta in their 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ warm-up match. Both sides started the match tentatively as Nigerias backline, consisting of Godfrey Oboabona, Efe Ambrose, Kenneth Omeruo and Elderson Echiejile, were able to keep Javier Chicharito Hernandez and Oribe Peralta at bay. For Nigerias attack, Liverpools Victor Moses and Fenerbahces Emmanuel Emenike looked like the most likely sources of goals for the Super Eagles. Moses had a penalty appeal denied in the 8th minute, while three minutes later, Emenike broke through inside Mexicos penalty area only for Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to save. Mexico head coach Miguel Herreras defensive 5-3-2 system was exposed in the first half as Nigerias ferocious attackers capitalised on the lack of communication between Mexicos captain Rafael Marquez and Espanyols Hector Moreno. On the attacking end for Mexico, Luis Montes was unable to find Hernandez in dangerous positions, while Peralta was left frustrated by Nigerias backline. In the 18th minute, Moses made a 50-yard run, ending with his shot fizzing just wide of Ochoas left-hand post. Three minutes later, Mexico wasted a free-kick when Marquez and Bayer Leverkusens on-loan left-back Andres Guardado failed to adequately execute their dead-ball delivery. Mexicos best chance from the first half came from a corner in the 26th minute when Marquezs headed effort forced Lilles Vincent Enyeama to make an impressive save from six yards out. The remainder of the first half belonged to Mexico with Peralta volleying wide after outmuscling Oboabona in the 30th minute, while Enyeama was forced to parry a dangerous corner from Juan Carlos Medina two minutes later. The final significant chance of the half was created by Leons Luis Montes who turned impressively before slotting Peralta through on goal, only for the Santos Laguna striker to be called for offside. After a goalless first half, both coaches brought on a host of players, taking advantage of the opportunity to see players adapt to their respective formations. Notably, Enyeama was replaced by Austin Ejide of Hapoel Beer Sheva in goal for Nigeria. Hernandez was replaced by Tigres forward Alan Pulido after picking up what is suspected to be a minor knee injury. Chances continue after the break Mexico was able to carry their momentum from the first half into the second as Peralta had a six-yard shot from a cross saved by Ejide followed by a Guardado free-kick headed away by Omeruo. Nigeria responded with their best chance of the evenly-contested match when CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musas right-footed shot was saved by Ochoa from close range in the 56th minute. Nigerian keeper Ejide showcased the sides depth in the position when he saved Pulidos 20-yard shot a minute later. Ejide then came up with a brave double save in the 69th minute, highlighted by an impressive punching clearance after challenging Peralta in the air Mexico had the last significant chance of the match in the 73rd minute when substitute Raul Jimenez failed to react in time to a driven cross from the left flank, resulting in a Nigerian goal kick.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 08:17:10 +0000