Socceroos play out hard-fought Mexico draw | Football Australia
Goals to Harry Souttar and Martin Boyle had Graham Arnold’s team 2-0 up before a couple of key defensive lapses allowed their 12th-ranked opposition back into the game.
Mexico came flying out of the traps, eager to find space in behind the Australian backline and snatch an early goal, but the Socceroos new-look backline held firm.
Australia started to push the ball further up the pitch around a quarter of an hour in, winning a corner on the left.
The set piece was headed out to Connor Metcalfe, the midfielder firing a powerful effort from long range that forced Guillermo Ochoa to parry it away.
The resulting right-sided corner from Martin Boyle found Souttar centrally, who managed to steer an accurate header low into the left side of the goal.
Australia remained composed and diligent in defence despite El Tri controlling most of the ball in the first half an hour.
However, the Socceroos were a regular threat on the break with some nice combination play in the 29th minute between Riley McGree and Metcalfe, seeing the latter blaze a shot over.
Mexico conjured up a chance 37 minutes in when a neat flick from Orbelin Pineda found Jesus Gallardo in the left of the box, the fullback’s shot stinging Maty Ryan’s palms.
The side continued to put Australia under pressure, looking to exploit the space down both flanks.
But the Aussies repelled this late first-half surge to go into the break with their slender lead intact.
The Socceroos got off to a tough start to the second half, with Keanu Baccus adjudged to have handled the ball in the box, seeing a penalty awarded 54 minutes in.
Santiago Gimenez stepped
