MATCH REPORT:-: Mexico 1 vs 0 Panama

Mexico had to work hard to beat Panama on Tuesday
but did so through Carlos Vela in first-half stoppage
time.
An experimental Mexico side were forced to work hard for a
1-0 victory against a defensively-organised Panama in Toluca.

Mexico entered the game on the back of a 3-2 extra-time victory
over USA in a 2017 Confederations Cup play-off, whilst their
opponents arrived winless in normal time in their previous 12
fixtures.

Real Sociedad attacker Carlos Vela's goal in first-half stoppage
time was the difference maker in the international friendly on
Tuesday, with neither side capable of creating obvious
openings.

Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo had an early scare after air-
kicking Adolfo Machado's back-pass, forcing him to scramble
back and clear under pressure from Raul Jimenez.

But the visitors soon produced the first real chance of the game
as Armando Cooper's low drive was touched around the post
with a one-handed stop by Alfredo Talavera.

Mexico appeared the more threatening in the early stages, with
Jimenez's energetic running causing panic amongst the
Panama back-five.

After collecting a deep pass towards the by-line, the Benfica
striker did well to turn Luis Henriquez but Jonathon dos Santos
was unable to reach his raking cross.

Panama began to settle into the contest midway through the
first half, with the tight, narrow pitch in Toluca favouring Hernan
Gomez's side.

Predominantly defensive minded, Panama – 65th in the FIFA
world rankings – enjoyed a confidence-building period of
possession before the interval.

But on the stroke of half-time, Vela finally made the
breakthrough for Mexico, stabbing in from close-range.

Javier Guemez's aimless ball into the box was defended poorly
by Leonel Parris and Machado, eventually reaching Javier
Aquino on the left by-line.

Aquino immediately centred the ball for Vela to poke into an
unguarded net.

Vela almost grabbed his doubled his tally following the interval
but his powerful shot between two defenders skewed wide from
20-yards.

There were plenty of changes for either side in the second
period, with 2015 Copa America star Jesus Corona on for
assist-maker Aquino the key tactical decision from interim
coach Ricardo Ferretti - set to be replaced by Juan Carlos
Osorio.

With 15 minutes to play, Panama almost snuck an equaliser, as
substitute Luis Tejada bent a long-range effort just wide of
Mexico's goal with Talavera at full stretch.

The visitor's continued to press for an equaliser until the dying
moments but once again failed to take advantage of their
set=piece opportunities with Cooper and Felipe Baloy unable to
convert.