Mexico (National Football)

CONCACAF group leaders Mexico resume World Cup qualifying with a visit from Honduras on Friday, and will be expected to maintain their unbeaten run against a side that has just four points from four games. 

After a friendly victory over Republic of Ireland last week, coach Juan Carlos Osorio has trimmed his initial squad down to 29, as per Goal, with Mexico also set to face the United States on June 11.

El Tri warmed up for the game with a 3-1 win over Martin O'Neill's men in New Jersey, thanks to goals from Jesus Corona, Raul Jimenez and Carlos Vela.

     

Form guide        

Mexico could hardly go into the game in better form having won four of their last five matches. Indeed, El Tri have been dominant in qualifying and sit three points clear of Costa Rica. Osorio's men are also defensively sound, having conceded just once in their last four qualifiers.

Honduras have gone three games without a win and were thumped 6-0 by the United States in March. However, they are not out of it yet, and remain only three points off second place. A win would be a shock, with Jorge Luis Pinto's side ranked 69th in the world, per FIFA.

     

Key battles

Carlos Vela vs. Honduras defence

Carlos Vela was in fine form against Ireland and will hope to maintain that against Honduras. The winger was at his creative best in the friendly and will pose problems if he isn't tightly monitored.

His ability on the ball, coupled with a willingness to take risks, may be needed to break down a Honduras defence that will surely be out to tighten up after a big defeat last time on their travels.

Vela can also hurt teams with his movement and positioning. He has a knack for scoring important goals, and was on target last time out, meaning Honduras' defence will need to pay special attention to his whereabouts.

       

Javier Hernandez vs. Donis Escober

Javier Hernandez is now Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer and has been described by Osorio as, "one of the best finishers in the world," per BBC Sport.

Rested for the clash against Ireland, he has the pace, positioning and clinical finishing to punish a Honduras defence that has conceded nine goals in just four games.

Standing in Hernandez's way will be goalkeeper Donis Escober, who conceded six on his last World Cup qualifier away from home, and will surely not want a repeat against El Tri.

Mexico have real quality in their squad, and with Vela, Hernandez and Corona have the attacking power to really hurt Honduras. Momentum is also with El Tri, who have dropped points just once in qualifying so far, and they look to have too much for the visitors.

Prediction: Mexico 2-0 Honduras

Mexico earned a 3-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland in an international friendly Thursday night in MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Jesus Corona, Raul Jimenez and Carlos Vela scored for Mexico, while Stephen Gleeson gave Ireland a late consolation goal in the second half.

Mexico entered Thursday night coming off a disappointing 2-1 friendly defeat to Croatia last Saturday. Croatian coach Ante Cacic essentially used his "B" side, leaving out a number of his biggest stars.

While the loss didn't carry significant consequences, these friendlies are important for El Tri as they prepare for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2017 Confederations Cup in June.

As such, Mexico supporters will have expected a strong response Thursday night, and that's exactly what they received.

Tecatito put Mexico ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute, and Jimenez doubled his team's lead in the 25th minute after converting from the penalty spot. 

Tecatito particularly gave Ireland trouble out wide prior to being subbed off in the 57th minute. Goal's Ives Galarcep is interested to see how he'll match up with the United States when the U.S. travels to the Estadio Azteca on June 11:

Yedlin vs. Tecatito will be a fun battle if they meet at Azteca. It's anyone's guess who plays that game though given short turnaround time.

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) June 2, 2017

Vela provided Mexico's third goal in the 54th minute. Darren Randolph saved Oribe Peralta's initial shot, but Peralta got the rebound and slotted a pass across goal to Vela, who had an easy finish to make it a 3-0 game.

Vela was one of the best players on the pitch. The 28-year-old has had a somewhat icy relationship with the national team over the years, and supporters have long awaited the day when he'd carry his club form over to El Tri. 

ESPN FC's Tom Marshall saw encouraging signs from Vela's effort:

Another quality performance from Vela. Don't shout it out, but it looks like he is starting to like playing for #eltrieng

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) June 2, 2017

In addition to Vela, Burrito Hernandez was a pleasant surprise for Mexico in central midfield. He assisted on Tecatito's goal and delivered the pass to Vela prior to his drawing a foul in the 18-yard box, which led to Jimenez's penalty.

Both Goal's Jon Arnold and ESPN FC's Cesar Hernandez singled out Burrito for praise:

Thought it was open and shut that Burrito Hernandez would be a Gold Cup player but what an opening he's had. #ElTriEng

— Jon Arnold (@ArnoldcommaJon) June 2, 2017

Burrito is playing as if he has been a part of this roster for years. #ElTriEng

— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) June 2, 2017

Gleeson got Ireland on the board in the 76th minute. Mexico nearly conceded a second a few minutes later before Rodolfo Cota gathered the ball and removed the threat.

The focus for Mexico will now shift to their World Cup qualifier against Honduras on June 1. El Tri are leading the hexagonal with 10 points through four matches, while Honduras are in fifth place with four points.

Thursday's victory will reassure supporters who had grown uneasy following the Croatia loss. While it wasn't a transcendent showing, Mexico never looked uncomfortable against Ireland and dominated for much of the match. It gives the team some nice momentum before they welcome in Honduras and the United States next week.

Mexico will be looking to bounce back from their recent 2-1 defeat to Croatia when they come up against the Republic of Ireland in another friendly at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on Thursday.

Martin O'Neill's side were last in action in March when they were downed 1-0 by Iceland on home turf in Dublin.

Both teams will be eager to claim a morale-boosting victory ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and there will likely be some experimentation on both sides given the friendly nature of the clash.

Read on for a further look at what should be an entertaining clash, along with scheduling and viewing details.

     

Date: Thursday, June 1

Time: 8 p.m. ET, 1 a.m. BST (June 2)

TV Info: FS1 (U.S.), Premier Sports (UK)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go, Premier Player 

    

El Tri were 2-0 down early on against Croatia and left themselves too much to do after the break.

Javier Hernandez netted a late consolation in Los Angeles to become Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer, per ESPN Stats and Info:

On Saturday, Javier Hernández (@CH14_) took over sole ownership of the goal-scoring lead in the history of Mexico’s soccer team (47) pic.twitter.com/tmpCT4urf7

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 28, 2017

It was a typically opportunistic finish from Chicharito, and Ireland's defence will have to marshal him closely if they are to keep him out on Thursday.

Mexico will similarly be looking to keep things tight at the back in order to not go behind early on as they did against Croatia.

O'Neill will have to field an unfamiliar squad to face Mexico as most of his Premier League players and some Championship stars will be rested.

Per The42.com, he has no specialist left-backs to call upon and could opt to play a 3-5-2 formation. 

"There is no recognised left-back, but it gives us the opportunity to experiment. We could possibly play three centre-halves and two wing-backs. James [McClean] has done that before," O'Neill said.

West Bromwich Albion's McClean is one of the few players from England's top flight set to turn out for the Irish, and he is likely to be named captain for the game, per BBC Sport.

The Boys in Green follow the Mexico clash with another friendly against Uruguay in Dublin on Sunday ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Austria at the Aviva Stadium on June 11.

Meanwhile, Thursday's match is Mexico's final preparation game before CONCACAF qualifiers against Honduras and the United States on June 8 and 11, respectively—El Tri are top of the standings in the Hexagonal.

As such, while the clash in New Jersey has little importance in isolation, it is a key game for both sides.

Mexico are favourites to prevail, but it will be an unfamiliar Ireland team that O'Neill puts out, so it should be a fascinating contest.

Javier Hernandez scored in Saturday's friendly against Croatia to become the all-time leading goalscorer in Mexico national team history.

Chicharito found the back of the net in the 87th minute, bringing his career total to 47 goals for El Tri and moving him ahead of Jared Borgetti, per Fox Soccer:

HE STANDS ALONE!

Chicharito's header against Croatia puts him alone at the top as Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer. #ElTriOnFOX pic.twitter.com/gEEbDuXn6m

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 28, 2017

ESPN FC's Tom Marshall tweeted how Hernandez's inclusion into the second half of Saturday's match reinvigorated the Mexican attack:

Chicharito is now Mexico's all-time highest goal-scorer. Well-deserved from him. El Tri look so much sharper with him up top. #eltrieng

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) May 28, 2017

His substitution came too little too late for El Tri, who lost 2-1.

Chicharito's performance, along with the fact he scored 11 goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, will give fans some optimism heading into the 2017 Confederations Cup next month. The tournament is a nice barometer to see where things stand for a team ahead of the World Cup.

For instance, Mexico sacked Jose Manuel de la Torre a few months after finishing third in its group at the 2013 Confederations Cup. The team then reached the round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup.

Hernandez's form has often been a big decider in how far El Tri can advance at international tournaments. Mexico are grouped with hosts Russia, Portugal and New Zealand for the Confederations Cup.

If Chicharito poses a constant threat in front of goal, Mexico could potentially advance to the knockout stage. Should he struggle, it will likely be another group-stage exit.

Mexico will try to keep their unbeaten start to the Hexagonal round of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying alive on Tuesday, as they travel to take on Trinidad and Tobago.

The Soca Warriors grabbed their first win of the round over Panama on the previous matchday, courtesy of a single goal from Kevin Molino. Javier Hernandez and Nestor Araujo found the net in Mexico's routine 2-0 win over Costa Rica.

A trip to Port of Spain is never easy, and El Tri might be in for their toughest match of the Hexagonal yet. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming clash.

Date: Tuesday, March 28

Time: 7 p.m. ET / Midnight BST

Venue: Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain

Live Stream: beIN Sports Connect, fubo.tv

Preview

As shared by ESPN FC's Tom Marshall, El Tri enter Tuesday's match with some injury concerns:

Rafa Marquez and Jurgen Damm leave Mexico team with injuries#eltrieng... https://t.co/v18LDDL7fq

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) March 26, 2017

Mexico haven't been threatened much during the Hexagonal so far, opening the round with wins over the United States and Costa Rica either side of a draw in Panama. Manager Juan Carlos Osorio and his troops are on course for World Cup qualification, with several of CONCACAF's other top teams struggling so far.

That includes Trinidad and Tobago, who played some phenomenal football at times in the previous rounds but have failed to deliver in the Hexagonal so far. Losses against Costa Rica and Honduras were disappointing, and even in the win over Panama, the Soca Warriors looked far from impressive.

But in the safe confines of Port of Spain and already facing quite a bit of pressure, the home side should give Mexico quite the challenge with their disciplined defence.

Fortunately for El Tri, they'll be able to rely on star forward Hernandez.

The 28-year-old tied Jared Borgetti's record of 46 goals for the team on Friday, and per Marshall, he talked about what it meant to him afterwards:

It is very nice, but this is just starting, that's how I see it. It helps my confidence to be level as the maximum scorer. It is something I never dreamed about or imagined, but the most important things is the result for the group.

It's a remarkable achievement for Hernandez, who still has several years left at the top of the game and should retire with a healthy lead at the top of Mexico's scoring charts. It also speaks to the extent of the Bayer Leverkusen man's talent and what a threat he will be to Trinidad and Tobago.

The Soca Warriors mostly rely on talent that plays at home or in Major League Soccer, with the likes of John Bostock and Cornell Glen not a part of the squad on this occasion. In terms of raw talent, there's no comparison between the two sides.

Expect El Tri to dominate possession on Tuesday and turn the match into a tactical battle against Trinidad and Tobago's athletic side.

There are few teams that can match Mexico in terms of speed and counter-attacking ability, but the Soca Warriors should not be underestimated in that department. 

Mexico stands alone atop the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 World Cup after scoring a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica on Friday night at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez scored in the seventh minute and El Tri never relinquished the lead. The result leaves them as the only unbeaten team in the Hexagonal through three matches (2-1-0), which creates a promising path to qualification after narrowly making the cut four years ago.

Nestor Araujo also scored for the Mexican side.

The Ticos (2-0-1) drop to second place in the group with the loss. They were competitive throughout the contest, especially in the early stages, but giving up the second goal right before halftime was a major setback in their bid to earn at least a point.

Chicharito put Mexico on the scoreboard early by capping off a terrific team play with a perfect chip.

The Mexican attack pushed forward despite a numbers advantage for the Costa Rican defense. The Bayer Leverkusen striker made a well-timed run to get behind the back line and Carlos Vela laid a through ball into space to create the scoring chance.

Hernandez took care of the rest, beating Ticos goalkeeper Keylor Navas to the ball just in time to flick it over the Real Madrid star to grab the lead.

ESPN Stats and Info provided further details about the record-tying tally:

Javier Hernández puts Mexico up 1-0 with his 46th international goal, tying Jared Borgetti for most in Mexico history.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 25, 2017

Tom Marshall of ESPNFC pointed out the symmetry between the two El Tri stalwarts:

Jared Borgetti scored 46 goals for Mexico in 89 appearances.

Chicharito has just scored his 46th goal in his 89th appearance. #ElTriEng

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) March 25, 2017

Vela picked up his second assist of the night on Mexico's second goal. He delivered a floating corner kick right into the sweet spot just outside the six-yard box and Araujo was there to power the header past Navas to double the lead shortly before the halftime whistle.

Peter Galindo‏ of Sportsnet analyzed the turning-point moment:

Felt like Navas could've had it. Massive goal for Mexico right before halftime. Carlos Vela has two assists. Man of the Match for MEX so far

— Peter Galindo (@GalindoPW) March 25, 2017

Mexico turned down the pace in the second half to secure the win. Costa Rica, which looked potent for most of the first half until El Tri made it 2-0, failed to make much of an impression in the second half.

Fox Soccer wrapped up the textbook effort from the home side:

FT: Mexico 2, Costa Rica 0. #ElTri blank Los Ticos at home to go top of the Hex after 3 games played. #MEXvCRC pic.twitter.com/apSrV2HbUX

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 25, 2017

Looking ahead, both teams return to action Tuesday for the fourth set of fixtures. 

Mexico faces a tricky road test against Trinidad and Tobago. The Soca Warriors are coming off a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama and will look to replicate that type of physical, defensively sound performance against the more talented Mexican group next week.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica stays out on the road and will look to avoid a two-match losing streak when it faces off with Honduras. The Ticos must do a much better job of taking advantage of early chances than they did at Estadio Azteca to secure all three points.

Costa Rica have made a fine start to the final stage of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, winning both of their opening two matches to sit atop the Hexagonal standings.

They will be looking to keep their perfect record intact when they face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Friday.

But El Tri have major motivation to pick up all three points as they could leapfrog Costa Rica into top spot with a victory.

Read on for a preview of an intriguing fixture, along with scheduling and viewing information.

Date: Friday, March 24

Time: 8:50 p.m. ET, 12:50 a.m. GMT

TV Info: Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Preview

Mexico will be without a number of key players when they host Costa Rica for what is likely to be one of the most competitive clashes of CONCACAF qualifying so far.

According to ESPN FC's Cesar Hernandez, manager Juan Carlos Osorio will be missing Hirving Lozano of Pachuca, L.A. Galaxy's Giovani dos Santos, Eintracht Frankfurt's Marco Fabian, Porto's Jesus Corona, Tigres winger Javier Aquino and PSV Eindhoven's Andres Guardado because of injury. 

Per ESPN FC's Tom Marshall, centre-back Hector Moreno could also be another absentee:

At least three reports out suggesting that Hector Moreno is a doubt for Mexico's game vs. Costa Rica on Fri #ElTriEng

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) March 22, 2017

However, despite the Mexico squad having been ravaged, they should still pose a real threat to Costa Rica's perfect record on Friday.

The likes of Javier Hernandez, Carlos Vela and Hector Herrera are all available. And, per Hernandez, Jonathan dos Santos has been in fine form for Villarreal and could drop in to replace Guardado.

So far in the Hexagonal, Mexico have beaten the United States and drawn with Panama, both away from home.

Playing in front of their own fans at the Azteca should give El Tri a big boost, and they will cause Costa Rica problems despite all their injuries.

La Sele's two victories so far in the final stage of qualifying have come against Trinidad and Tobago and the United States. 

After Friday's fixture against Mexico, they face another tough away qualifier against Honduras.

But confidence is clearly high in the Costa Rica camp, and winger Christian Bolanos has said their goal is to go out and win every game, per CONCACAF: "Our mentality is always to go out to win. We believe that we can get the six points. We have to think like that if we want to continue in the search for qualifying. We know the quality of the two opponents. It will not be easy, but we will be betting on doing our job well and playing smart matches."

ESPN's Eric Gomez is still favouring Mexico:

Costa Rica is a good team - even then, Mexico should find a way to win at home. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

— Eric Gomez (@EricGomez86) March 22, 2017

Osorio's squad is packed with enough quality to pick up three points and move to the top of the standings.

But it is sure to be a tight and entertaining contest between Mexico and Costa Rica as they both aim to take a step closer to the 2018 World Cup. 

Mexico earned a 1-0 victory over Iceland Wednesday in an international friendly in Las Vegas.

Alan Pulido scored the only goal of the match with a header in the 21st minute, helping Mexico win its seventh straight friendly.

While Iceland utilized mostly an alternate lineup without its key players, El Tri started most of their best players. Even though being outside a normal international break prevented any players in European leagues from competing, this was still a strong squad for Mexico.

Giovani dos Santos was part of this lineup, and he responded with a first-half assist and solid play overall before being subbed out at the interval.

Rafael Marquez also played well before coming out in the second half. Cesar Hernandez of ESPN FC praised the 37-year-old:

Once again, Rafa is looking like Mexico's quarterback. #ElTriEng

— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) February 9, 2017

Meanwhile, Iceland didn't have a single shot on goal and only took six shots total, compared to 25 from El Tri.

Mexico took control from the start of the match while holding possession and getting several quality chances near the net.

Those opportunities finally turned into a goal in the 21st minute. On a free kick from the left side of the pitch, Dos Santos served the ball into the zone for Pulido to head it into the back of the net.

Tom Marshall of ESPN FC described the effort:

Gooool Mexico. Nice finish from Pulido. Made up for his previous miss. Mexico 1-0 Iceland #ElTriEng

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) February 9, 2017

The rest of the first half featured complete dominance from Mexico. The squad took 10 shots compared to five for Iceland, earning five corner kicks and holding possession for 74 percent of the time.

Unfortunately, none of this helped El Tri expand upon their lead. Despite a few more close chances, the score remained 1-0 heading into halftime.

Eric Gomez of ESPN.com's One Nacion broke down the first 45 minutes:

- Seriously challenge anyone to point out five DF in better form than Marquez.
- This game is only time I'll ever applaud rotation from JCO.

— Eric Gomez (@EricGomez86) February 9, 2017

The second half was mostly about the youth, as the friendly gave the coaching staff an opportunity to see some players in a stress-free atmosphere.

Edson Alvarez was among the most notable substitutions, with the 19-year-old replacing Jesus Molina in the 61st minute. Even in limited time, he still made his presence known with a solid handle on the game and one good look at the net in the 71st minute.

Hirving Lozano also found a few quality opportunities to add to the lead in the second half but couldn't put the ball on the net, missing left and high.

Mexico couldn't score another goal, although Iceland never really came close as the contest concluded with a 1-0 finish. 

Nayib Moran of ESPN FC summed up the most important part of the match:

https://twitter.com/nayibmoran/status/829552490379169792

CONCACAF qualifying continues March 24 with the squad taking on Costa Rica at home before a road matchup against Panama.

Iceland will continue its fight to earn its first World Cup qualification with a matchup against Kosovo on March 24, followed by a big home match against Croatia.

             

Postgame Reaction

While the match was decided by just one goal, even Iceland's manager understood the dominant play from Mexico.

"It probably was not the most fun game to watch," Heimir Hallgrimsson said, per Jon Arnold for Goal. "It was one-way traffic most of the match."

The result possibly could have been 4-0 or more, but it will go down as a 1-0 final score.

Mexico travel to Panama for a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City on Tuesday. El Tri are level on points with their opponents and Costa Rica, all of whom are on three points at the top of the CONCACAF standings.

Mexico are coming off a significant win, earning three points with a rare win over USA. Veteran centre-back Rafael Marquez got a late winner for El Tri to confirm a 2-1 victory Friday and snap the supposed "Dos a Cero" curse.

Meanwhile, Panama secured an impressive 1-0 win away to Honduras. The home side would usually be underdogs, but absences along Mexico's fluid forward line can give Panama hope.

Here are the schedule and streaming details: 

Date: Tuesday, November 15

Time: 9:05 p.m. ET

Live Stream: beIN Sports CONNECT.

   

Preview

Winning in the U.S. ended Mexico's barren run in qualifying in the country that had lasted since 1972, according to ESPN FC's Jeff Carlisle. The victory owed a lot to Mexico's pace and technique in attacking areas.

Specifically, forwards Carlos Vela and Giovani dos Santos dovetailed superbly. Their subtle movement and clever touches dragged markers out of position all night.

Unfortunately for El Tri, Vela is set to miss out after being allowed to return to Spain for the birth of his first child, per Tom Marshall of ESPN FC. Vela's electric pace and natural flair will be missed in Panama, but he's not the only key player set to be absent.

Midfield playmaker Andres Guardado's loss with a hamstring complaint could be felt more. His vision and intelligence from midfield are key in supplying Mexico's talented frontmen with chances.

Marshall also added Fiorentina defender Carlos Salcedo to the list of notable omissions for the game. Panama have to take advantage of facing a side depleted in key areas.

The home side may still be smarting from the last time they faced Mexico. They were beaten 1-0 in Chicago back in October but spurned a great chance of their own when Armando Cooper saw his effort saved by Moises Munoz, according to Goal.

Oribe Peralta's goal downed Panama in the Windy City, but Los Canaleros are also a stubborn team defensively, packing plenty of savvy and muscle at the back.

However, Mexico should still have enough to earn a tough win—even without Vela and Guardado. El Tri's confidence is sky high after beating the U.S.

Their buoyancy and greater quality will prove decisive.

Mexico's preparation for November's FIFA World Cup qualifiers continues on Tuesday as they take on Panama in a friendly at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois. 

El Tri's first match in the Hexagonal—the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia—is against the United States, before they face Panama again.

Tuesday's clash will be vital for both teams as they look to establish their best possible outfit before their crucial matches next month.

Read on for a preview of the game, along with key scheduling, television and live streaming information. 

Date: Tuesday, October 11

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET, 2:30 a.m. BST (Wednesday)

TV Info: Univision Deportes USA 

Live Stream: Univision Now

Preview

Mexico's Saturday friendly with New Zealand ended in a 2-1 win for Juan Carlos Osorio's side as Giovani dos Santos and Marco Fabian both found the net.

It was Dos Santos' first outing for the Mexican side since 2015's CONCACAF Gold Cup and, although he played a key role against the Kiwis, he will look to improve on his performance against Panama.

The L.A. Galaxy forward has netted 14 times and provided 12 assists in 27 Major League Soccer appearances so far this season, and he will be vital for Mexico in their attempts to unlock Panama's defence, per MLSsoccer.com.

Osorio will need to work on improving his own back before the clash, as they were unimpressive against New Zealand and the All Whites could have taken something from the match in Tennessee had they not squandered a number of chances, per ESPN FC's Cesar Hernandez.

Per Mexican football writer Tom Harrison, Mexico played a 3-3-3-1 formation against New Zealand, but Osorio could change things up against Panama given that the performance was far from perfect:

Osorio still experimenting with the 3-3-3-1 formation. My tactical takes from Mexico's friendly against New Zealand https://t.co/OuWEYOfXSD pic.twitter.com/mQuiWlO5e1

— Tom Harrison (@tomh_36) October 9, 2016

Panama's last outing was their 3-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Costa Rica back in September, which followed a 2-0 victory over Jamaica.

Hernan Dario Gomez's side have endured inconsistent form of late and will be eager to put in a decent performance against Mexico before their first meeting in the Hexagonal against Honduras in November.

They will need to be more clinical than New Zealand were if they are to better El Tri, but Mexico's defence is such that Panama should get some opportunities if their build-up play is good.

Recent history indicates it should be a tight match in Illinois despite Panama being significantly lower in FIFA's world rankings—62nd to Mexico's 15th.

The last time more than one goal separated the two sides was when Mexico beat Panama 5-0 back in 2005.

Since then, there have been nine meetings between them, and all of them have been incredibly close, per Soccerbase:

Year	Result
2015	Mexico 1-0 Panama
2015	Panama 1-2 Mexico (AET)
2014	Mexico 1-0 Panama
2013	Mexico 2-1 Panama
2013	Panama 2-1 Mexico
2013	Mexico 1-2 Panama
2013	Panama 0-0 Mexico
2009	Mexico 1-1 Panama
2007	Mexico 1-0 Panama
2005	Mexico 5-0 Panama

Tuesday's clash may only be a friendly but it is a crucial game for both sides as they prepare for their upcoming qualifiers, and a defeat for either team could deal a significant blow to their confidence.