Tuesday 29 October 2019, 00:55

Resolute Paraguay hold Mexico to draw

  • Mexico vs Paraguay finished scoreless at Estadio Bezerrao

  • La Albirroja's physicality kept the touted Mexico attack in check

  • El Tri were reduced to 10 players in the 69th minute

An obstinate defence was key to Paraguay securing a 0-0 draw against Concacaf champions Mexico in their Group F opener of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019™. Star Mexican attackers Israel Luna and Efrain Alvarez ensured that El Tri created the better chances, but they had little space to manoeuvre amidst a wall a Paraguayan defenders.

Paraguay [[flag-par-xs]]

La Albirroja imposed themselves physically throughout the match, out-muscling the Mexico attackers while taking their best chances through set-pieces at the other end of the field. They were content to cede possession and pace of the game to El Tri. Paraguay had an opportunity to push for all three points when Mexico captain Eugenio Pizzuto was sent off in the 69th minute, but even then the South Americans did not wholly dominate the ball.

Mexico [[flag-mex-xs]]

The individual talent of Luna and Alvarez was evident, but stringing together cohesive attacking moves proved difficult against well-drilled opponents. When he was called on, goalkeeper Eduardo Garcia stood tall against the handful of Paraguay chances, ensuring the Mexicans came away with a point.

Up next

31 October

Group F [[flag-sol-xs]] Solomon Islands-Paraguay [[flag-par-xs]] (Brasilia/Gama, 17:00 local time) [[flag-mex-xs]] Mexico-Italy [[flag-ita-xs]] (Brasilia/Gama, 20:00 local time)