Tyler Adams wants to inspire the next generation of USMNT players. (0:54) The U.S. men's national team went to Mexico on Thursday to begin the crucial final window of World Cup qualification, and coach Berhalter promised they would be aggressive. Unfortunately for Berhalter and fans, that approach did not result in any goals for the U.S. or Mexico. Both teams won a point in the match, and they both have two more games to try to get six points, which is enough to get them into the tournament. It was not the most fun version of this rivalry to watch. The internet reacted to the high and lows of the match, but you get the point. Pregame. After the game started, those on the scene noticed that the atmosphere was subdued due to capacity restrictions. Portugal are more than just a single player.
- What it's like to score at Azteca: USMNT and Mexico players reflect
The Mexican Football Federation scaled back the capacity of the stadium to 50,000 due to concerns about the anti-gay chants heard at Mexican national team matches.
The Fan ID system made it easier for fans who violate the rules to be banned from future matches.
Restrictions keeping this from being a packed house @ el estadio Azteca 🏟
Fan ID in place for todays game as well. #ElTriEng #USMNT *
*5 year ban for violators of protocol
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) March 25, 2022
Azteca is empty. And I mean EMPTY.
Mexico is there for the taking will the @USMNT do it???? #USMNT
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) March 25, 2022
The #usmnt supporters are here, cheering, and getting whistled. All according to plan. pic.twitter.com/rs0YTBMbY9
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) March 25, 2022
Owen Wilson, an American actor, was at the match to support the U.S. team. Mijares sang the Mexican national anthem.
"Wow." https://t.co/aDr59IJcwd pic.twitter.com/kIKmaXqxWv
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) March 25, 2022
👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻
¡Gran interpretación de nuestro Himno Nacional por parte de @MijaresOficial! 💚 🇲🇽#ApoyoIncondicional | #HechoDeLosMexicanos pic.twitter.com/64eHbPkHb0
— Selección Nacional (@miseleccionmx) March 25, 2022
35th minute
The match got off to a great start in the 35th minute when Timothy Weah crossed for Christian Pulisic. Without a runner keeping up with him, Pulisic tried the one-time shot with his left foot, but the goalkeeper did well to block it.
It was the best chance of the first half. When he stayed down on the play, he gave USMNT fans a scare, but he got up gingerly.
Guillermo Ochoa, already on World Cup form. #ElTriEng
— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) March 25, 2022
You have to score that. Simple #USMNT
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) March 25, 2022
Ok, so I think I get it now - the xG on that Pulisic chance is about 1 billion, right?
— Sam Borden (@SamBorden) March 25, 2022
Ochoa with a massive save off Pulisic. And Pulisic is down. #usmnt
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) March 25, 2022
🔥⚽🧤 ¡Atajadón! ¡Guillermo Ochoa le quita el gol a Christian Pulisic!
📲🔴 ¡EN VIVO! https://t.co/A2Uew5a4j2
📺 TUDN #CaminoAQatar | #ChoqueDeGigantes pic.twitter.com/7kvPXON618
— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) March 25, 2022
The first half saw neither side take control of the game or exert dominance, and there were a lot of missed opportunities.
The US completed less than 70% of their passes in the first half. Mexico had four shots in the first half and only one was on target. The U.S. put three on frame.
Tecatito Corona's first touch making every Sunday morning beer league player nod in solidarity.
— Will Parchman (@WillParchman) March 25, 2022
Halftime.
The 45 minutes of soccer everyone had just witnessed, with the score locked at0-0 and neither side finding the edge, took some time to reflect on on social media. It was not what everyone had been hoping for.
All the hype videos promised me fun, but this first half only gave me sloppy soccer, reduced atmosphere and no goals. It's like the "Tinder profile vs. real life" meme but for World Cup qualifying. #USMNT
— Caitlin Murray (@caitlinmurr) March 25, 2022
Credit to @cesarhfutbol next to me for trying to put a reverse jinx in Mexico-US just now by declaring, "It's destined for a 0-0, isn't it?"
— Jon Arnold (@ArnoldcommaJon) March 25, 2022
HT Mexico 0-0 USA
A couple of big saves from Guillermo Ochoa, but overall a fairly quiet first 45 minutes. Mexico need to do a better job with their possession. Needs more creativity. #ElTriEng
— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) March 25, 2022
HT 0:0
Thank you to everyone who shared their interest in playing right back. We will review your applications and keep you updated.
— The American Outlaws (@AmericanOutlaws) March 25, 2022
First half stats. As you can see from the xG, that first half wasn't exactly a thriller. Mexico goalkeeper Memo Ochoa was probably the man of the first half but it's not like he had *that* much to do. #USMNT pic.twitter.com/T5HERnLo5E
— Caitlin Murray (@caitlinmurr) March 25, 2022
72nd minute
If USMNT fans were looking for a tough shot to see in the first half, Jordan Pefok did it in the 72nd minute. Pefok had a chance to score from the middle of the box, but his shot was wide right.
The reactions from social media made it clear that the USMNT should have been up 2-0 at that point.
What the Pefok...
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) March 25, 2022
Pefok's finish just reached the outer orbit of Alpha Centauri. What in god's name man.
— Will Parchman (@WillParchman) March 25, 2022
Easier for Pefok to score than miss there
— James Tyler (@JamesTylerESPN) March 25, 2022
My word. Reyna tees up Pefok and shoots wide from the doorstep. #usmnt
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) March 25, 2022
😥😩 ¡Increíble falla de Pefok!La que se perdió el Team USA 😥😩 😥😩 😥😩
📲🔴 ¡EN VIVO! https://t.co/A2Uew5a4j2
📺 TUDN #CaminoAQatar | #ChoqueDeGigantes pic.twitter.com/6z0SaOCTo8
— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) March 25, 2022
The final whistle.
The USMNT stood up well to the challenge of playing on the road at Azteca, and the chances were there to get the winner.
It was not to be. The USMNT needs two more matches to get the points they need to qualify for the World Cup. The U.S. will play Panama in Florida on Sunday.
FT: #usmnt 0-0 #ElTriEng
A rare instance when the U.S. might think it could have walked away with a win. That said, the visitors limped towards the finish line. They'll take the point and gear up for Panama. And yes, Tyler Adams avoided yellow.
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) March 25, 2022
Respect, @miseleccionmx. pic.twitter.com/Hi2iQuuloy
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) March 25, 2022
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