The friendly encounter between Mexico and Japan, held at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, concluded with a score of 0-0 on Saturday.
The standout performer of the match was Mexico’s goalkeeper, Luis Malagón, who showcased his skills by saving two shots from the Japanese attackers.
On the other side, Japan’s Zion Suzuki also had a remarkable game, similarly stopping two shots, which kept his team in the contest.
Mexico’s head coach, Javier Aguirre, deployed a 4-3-3 formation featuring Luis Malagón in goal; Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, and Jesús Gallardo in defense; with Marcel Ruiz, Edson Álvarez, and Orbelín Pineda in midfield; and an attacking trio of Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez, and Alexis Vega.
Meanwhile, Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan opted for a 5-3-2 setup, placing Zion Suzuki as their last line of defense; Ritsu Doan, Ayumu Seko, Kou Itakura, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, and Kaoru Mitoma comprised the defensive unit; Wataru Endo, Daichi Kamada, and Takumi Minamino anchored the midfield; while Ayase Ueda and Takefusa Kubo led the attack.
Referee Rubiel Vázquez officiated the match.
Substitutions for Mexico
30’ 1st Half – Edson Álvarez was substituted by Erik Lira
59’ 2nd Half – Alexis Vega came off for Hirving Lozano, Roberto Alvarado was replaced by Germán Berterame, and Orbelín Pineda was substituted for Érick Sánchez
60’ 2nd Half – Raúl Jiménez was taken off for Santiago Giménez
81’ 2nd Half – Marcel Ruiz was substituted by Carlos Rodríguez
Yellow Card for Mexico:
18’ 2nd Half – Marcel Ruiz
Red Card for Mexico:
46’ 2nd Half – César Montes (direct red)
Substitutions for Japan
57’ 2nd Half – Kou Itakura was substituted by Hiroki Sekine
67’ 2nd Half – Daichi Kamada was replaced by Kaishu Sano
68’ 2nd Half – Takumi Minamino and Takefusa Kubo were substituted for Daizen Maeda and Junya Ito, respectively
80’ 2nd Half – Kaoru Mitoma and Ritsu Doan were taken off for Yuito Suzuki and Shuto Machino
Yellow Card for Japan:
29’ 2nd Half – Tsuyoshi Watanabe