International Friendly match review: Christian Benitez helps Ecuador 2-1 win over Mexico
Christian Benitez opened the scoring after only 40 seconds to ensure Ecuador won 2-1 over Mexico in their International friendly. The early goal was essential in establishing Ecuador as the dominant side, and despite managing a goal; Mexico could not salvage a win.
This victory in the International friendly made it Ecuador’s first victory over the Mexicans in over 14 years. The win could not have come at a better time for the Ecuador side, which had been facing problems earlier and will now have gained confidence for future fixtures.
However, for Efrain Flores, the new Mexican coach, it was a nightmare. This was Flores’ debut match with the team and going on previous records, Flores had hoped for an easy win. This was not to be as the Ecuadorians put up a commendable performance.
Benitez’s early goal saw the Ecuador side leading by 1-0, but towards the end of the first half an own goal by Luis Checa leveled the score 1-1. With the unexpected equalizer, Mexico seemed a revitalized side, but after the half time break Ecuador took charge again.
Jaime Ayovi scored the winner in the 58th minute to hand his side the win. Mexico did not give up though and just a minute later they came very close to scoring. Ecuador’s goal keeper Maximo Banguera had to make a very hard save, his fingertips barely pushing Carlo Salcido’s long shot, which then deflected off the cross bar.
This loss made it Mexico’s second friendly match without a win since they were knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina. That was in the group of 16, and even though Mexico considered themselves lucky to have reached that far, they were still disappointed.
It was under the reign of Enrique Meza that Mexico drew their last international friendly with Spain. The match ended 1-1, with pundits suggesting the Mexicans could have done better to ensure a better result. Since then Meza had been removed and Flores was brought in.
Mexico take on Colombia in their next international friendly fixture on Tuesday. Flores will be expected to select a permanent replacement for Javier Aguirre next month. Aguirre quit the international team a few days after the loss to Argentina in the World Cup and his presence is being missed in the Mexican camp.
For the Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda however, the win over Mexico marked a successful debut. Reuda was in charge of Honduras during the 2010 World Cup, but afterwards resigned to take over Ecuador. Ecuador’s next rival are Venezuela, which will prepare both sides for the upcoming Copa America, set to take place next year in Argentina.
Starting XI
Mexico: Ochoa; Salcido, Rodriguez, Moreno, Torres Nilo; Guardado, Marquez, Torrado, Dos Santos; Hernandez, Vela.
Ecuador: Elizaga; Ibarra, Morantes, Caicedo, Hurtado; Ayovi, Valencia, Noboa, Quiroz; Montero, Benitez.
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