Mexico Beat New Zealand in First Friendly under Javier Aguirre | OneFootball

The decision saw Javier Aguirre return for a third stint as national boss, after leaving his post with RCD Mallorca.

In his first game back in charge since leaving the national team in 2010, he made some noticeable changes to the starting XI.

The 65-year-old opted for Raúl Rangel of Chivas ahead of Luís Malágon from Club América, who many expected to feature in-between the sticks. There was also an outside chance that Alex Padilla would feature, given his promising start to the season in Spain with Atlétic Bilbao.

Cesar Montes and Johan Vásquez kept their places at the centre of defence after being one of the more positive elements from the Copa América, whilst Israel Reyes and Jesús Gallardo accompanied the pair at the back. Suggestions prior to kick-off were that Julián Araujo, who recently left FC Barcelona and AFC Bournemouth, would start this game, but the full-back remained an unused substitute.

Edson Álvarez's return to full fitness allowed Luís Romo to feature in the centre of midfield alongside Dinamo Moscow player Luís Chávez, whilst Orbellín Pineda started further up the pitch, behind the front three of Roberto Alvarado, Julian Quinones and Santiago Giménez, with the striker looking for his first national goal since the 2023 Gold Cup final against Panama.

Key Moments

Mexico dominated from start to finish. An early goal from Pineda set the pace for the game as his scuffed effort from the edge of the box rolled past the diving Max Crocombe.

Continuing to search for a second goal, chances came and went with El Trí heading into the break with a one goal advantage.

Changes came in the second half and they instantly impacted the game with Pumas winger César Huerta finding himself in the perfect position to tap home Mexico's second of the game following excellent work from Romo down the right flank. It took Huerta two minutes to add his name to the scoresheet after replacing Quinones early in the second half.

Aguirre's side pilled on the misery for New Zealand as Romo turned from provided to scoring just four minutes later as his deflected effort from outside the box was enough to fly over the diving Crocombe.

Comfortably leading the game, Aguirre gave cameo opportunities to the likes of Tigres pair Francisco Cordova and Diego Laínez before Henry Martín replaced a deflated Gimenéz. Carlos Rodrígues and Jesús Angulo made late appearances to ensure that Mexico sealed a three goal win.