The clash between the Mexico National Football Team and the Uruguay National Football Team showcased two talented squads preparing for major international competitions. Played as an international friendly at Estadio Corona in Torreón, Mexico, the match ended in a hard-fought 0-0 draw, with both sides emphasizing tactical discipline over attacking flair.
Mexico lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under coach Javier Aguirre, aiming to dominate possession through midfield leaders Edson Álvarez and Marcel Ruiz.
Mexico National Football Team Starting Lineup
In the recent international friendly against the Uruguay national team, Mexico started in a 4-3-3 formation with the following XI:
- GK: Raúl Rangel
- RB: Israel Reyes
- CB: César Montes
- CB: Johan Vásquez
- LB: Jesús Gallardo
- CM: Érick Sánchez
- CDM: Edson Álvarez (Captain)
- CM: Marcel Ruiz
- RW: Roberto Alvarado
- ST: Raúl Jiménez
- LW: Hirving Lozano (“Chucky” Lozano)
Uruguay National Football Team Starting Lineup
In the international friendly against the Mexico national team on June 5, 2024, Uruguay started with the following lineup under coach Marcelo Bielsa in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
- GK: Sergio Rochet
- RB: Nahitan Nández
- CB: José María Giménez (Captain)
- CB: Mathías Olivera
- LB: Lucas Olaza
- CDM: Rodrigo Bentancur
- CDM: Manuel Ugarte
- RW: Facundo Pellistri
- CAM: Brian Rodríguez
- LW: Maximiliano Araújo
- ST: Darwin Núñez
Confirmed Starting XI and Formations
Mexico (4-2-3-1)
Starting XI:
- GK: Raúl Rangel
- RB: Brian García
- CB: Víctor Guzmán
- CB: Jesús Orozco Chiquete
- LB: Gerardo Arteaga
- CDM: Edson Álvarez (Captain)
- CDM: Fernando Beltrán
- RW: Roberto Alvarado
- CAM: Orbelín Pineda
- LW: César Huerta
- ST: Guillermo Martínez (“Memote”)
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Uruguay (4-2-3-1)
Starting XI:
- GK: Sergio Rochet
- RB: Nahitan Nández
- CB: José María Giménez (Captain)
- CB: Mathías Olivera
- LB: Lucas Olaza
- CDM: Rodrigo Bentancur
- CDM: Manuel Ugarte
- RW: Facundo Pellistri
- CAM: Brian Rodríguez
- LW: Maximiliano Araújo
- ST: Darwin Núñez
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Full Bench and Substitutes
Mexico Bench
The Mexico national team named the following players on the bench for the friendly against Uruguay:
- Luis Malagón (GK)
- Julio González (GK)
- Israel Reyes
- Johan Vásquez
- Alexis Peña
- Jordi Cortizo
- Luis Chávez
- Carlos Rodríguez
- Marcelo Flores
- Jordan Carrillo
- Santiago Giménez
- Julián Quiñones
- Uriel Antuna
- Alexis Vega
- Luis Romo
Mexico Substitutions Used
- 55′ Luis Romo replaced Víctor Guzmán
- 55′ Uriel Antuna replaced César Huerta
- 55′ Alexis Vega replaced Roberto Alvarado
- 69′ Carlos Rodríguez replaced Fernando Beltrán
- 69′ Julián Quiñones replaced Guillermo Martínez
- 84′ Santiago Giménez replaced Orbelín Pineda
Uruguay Bench
Uruguay’s substitutes for the match included:
- Santiago Mele (GK)
- Sebastián Cáceres
- César Araújo
- Facundo Torres
- Luciano Rodríguez
Uruguay Substitutions Used
- 69′ Facundo Torres replaced Darwin Núñez
- 75′ Sebastián Cáceres replaced Mathías Olivera
- 85′ Luciano Rodríguez replaced Lucas Olaza
- 89′ César Araújo replaced Rodrigo Bentancur
Mexico used all six available substitutions, while Uruguay made four changes during the 4-0 victory.
Formation Breakdown: 4-3-3 vs 4-3-3
Mexico’s 4-3-3 Setup
Mexico utilized a possession-oriented version of the 4-3-3, aiming to control the tempo through short passing and sustained build-up play.
Uruguay’s 4-3-3 Setup
Uruguay’s 4-3-3 was more direct and aggressive, reflecting Marcelo Bielsa’s high-intensity philosophy.
Tactical Comparison Table
| Tactical Aspect | Mexico | Uruguay |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Style | Possession-based | Direct and high-pressing |
| Pressing Intensity | Moderate | High |
| Build-Up Play | Patient and methodical | Fast and vertical |
| Width Creation | Overlapping full-backs | Wide forwards and quick transitions |
| Defensive Approach | Structured defensive block | Aggressive pressing and compact shape |
Tactical Analysis and Team Strategy
Mexico’s Tactical Approach
Mexico aimed to dominate possession and control the tempo through patient passing sequences.
Build-Up Play
- Mexico frequently built attacks from the back, with the center-backs and defensive midfielder initiating possession.
- The midfield trio worked to create numerical superiority in central areas.
- Full-backs pushed high up the pitch to stretch Uruguay’s defensive shape and provide width.
Midfield Control
- Edson Álvarez acted as the deep-lying midfielder, shielding the defense and distributing the ball.
- The advanced midfielders looked to progress possession and support the front three between the lines.
- Mexico attempted to maintain long spells of possession to limit Uruguay’s counterattacking opportunities.
Attacking Strategy
- Wide forwards often drifted inside, allowing overlapping full-backs to deliver crosses.
- Mexico relied on combination play around the penalty area rather than direct long balls.
- Quick interchanges and movement were designed to create space in congested areas.
Uruguay’s Tactical Approach
Uruguay, under Marcelo Bielsa, employed a more aggressive and vertical game plan.
High Pressing System
- Uruguay pressed high immediately after losing possession.
- The front three applied constant pressure on Mexico’s defenders, forcing hurried passes and mistakes.
- Midfielders stepped forward aggressively to disrupt Mexico’s rhythm.
Transition Play
- Once possession was regained, Uruguay attacked quickly with direct forward passes.
- The team looked to exploit spaces left behind Mexico’s advancing full-backs.
- Fast transitions from defense to attack were a central feature of Uruguay’s game plan.
Defensive Organization
- Uruguay maintained a compact shape when defending deeper.
- The back four stayed organized, reducing spaces between defensive lines.
- Midfielders tracked runners effectively to deny Mexico clear scoring chances.
Strategic Comparison
| Aspect | Mexico | Uruguay |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred Style | Possession-based | High pressing and direct play |
| Tempo | Controlled and patient | Fast and aggressive |
| Main Attacking Route | Combination play and crosses | Counterattacks and vertical passes |
| Defensive Focus | Structured shape | Intense pressing |
| Key Strength | Ball retention | Transition speed |
Mexico Player Ratings
| Player | Position | Rating (/10) | Performance Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raúl Rangel | GK | 6.5 | Made several important saves but could do little to prevent the goals conceded. |
| Israel Reyes | RB | 6.0 | Worked hard defensively but found it difficult to contain Uruguay’s wide attacks. |
| César Montes | CB | 6.0 | Strong in aerial duels but occasionally struggled against Uruguay’s pace. |
| Johan Vásquez | CB | 6.5 | Mexico’s most composed defender, making key interceptions and clearances. |
| Jesús Gallardo | LB | 5.5 | Offered support in attack but was exposed defensively on several occasions. |
| Érick Sánchez | CM | 6.0 | Showed energy in midfield but lacked influence in the final third. |
| Edson Álvarez | CM | 7.0 | Mexico’s standout performer, providing leadership, ball recoveries, and defensive cover. |
| Marcel Ruiz | CM | 6.5 | Displayed composure in possession and attempted to drive the team forward. |
| Roberto Alvarado | RW | 5.5 | Worked tirelessly but created few clear-cut chances. |
| Raúl Jiménez | ST | 6.0 | Battled well physically yet received limited service in dangerous areas. |
| Hirving Lozano | LW | 6.5 | Mexico’s most dangerous attacking outlet, using pace and dribbling to threaten Uruguay’s defense. |
Top Performers for Mexico
- Edson Álvarez — 7.0/10
- Hirving Lozano — 6.5/10
- Johan Vásquez — 6.5/10
Uruguay Player Ratings
| Player | Position | Rating (/10) | Performance Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sergio Rochet | GK | 7.0 | Produced a confident display and preserved the clean sheet with several solid saves. |
| Nahitan Nández | RB | 7.5 | Energetic on both ends of the pitch, contributing defensively and supporting attacks. |
| José María Giménez | CB | 8.0 | Led the back line superbly, dominating aerial duels and organizing the defense. |
| Mathías Olivera | CB | 7.5 | Strong defensively and composed in possession throughout the match. |
| Lucas Olaza | LB | 7.0 | Provided width going forward while remaining disciplined defensively. |
| Rodrigo Bentancur | CM | 8.0 | Controlled the midfield with intelligent passing, movement, and defensive work. |
| Manuel Ugarte | CM | 8.5 | Outstanding in midfield, winning possession repeatedly and disrupting Mexico’s build-up play. |
| Facundo Pellistri | RW | 7.5 | Constantly threatened Mexico with his pace and direct running. |
| Brian Rodríguez | CAM | 7.5 | Linked play effectively and created several dangerous attacking moments. |
| Maximiliano Araújo | LW | 8.0 | A lively presence on the left flank, stretching Mexico’s defense and creating chances. |
| Darwin Núñez | ST | 9.5 | The standout performer, scoring a hat-trick and terrorizing Mexico’s defense with his movement and finishing. |
Top Performers for Uruguay
- Darwin Núñez — 9.5/10
- Manuel Ugarte — 8.5/10
- José María Giménez — 8.0/10
Match Statistics and Possession Analysis
Overall Match Statistics
| Statistic | Mexico | Uruguay |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 56% | 44% |
| Total Shots | 10 | 12 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 7 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.84 | 2.31 |
| Pass Accuracy | 86% | 81% |
| Total Passes | 498 | 391 |
| Corners | 5 | 4 |
| Fouls Committed | 13 | 15 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Offsides | 1 | 2 |
Possession Analysis
Mexico’s Possession Dominance
Mexico enjoyed the majority of possession, controlling approximately 56% of the ball throughout the match. The team focused on:
- Building attacks patiently from the back.
- Using short passing combinations in midfield.
- Creating width through overlapping full-backs.
- Maintaining territorial control in Uruguay’s half.
Uruguay’s Efficient Approach
Uruguay were comfortable without sustained possession and adopted a more direct style. Their strategy emphasized:
- Aggressive high pressing.
- Quick transitions after regaining possession.
- Vertical passing into attacking areas.
- Exploiting spaces left by Mexico’s advanced full-backs.
Head-to-Head Record
Overall Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Mexico | Uruguay | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 8 Wins | 8 Wins | 7 Draws |
The two nations have met 23 times, with the rivalry remaining remarkably balanced overall.
Standout Performers of the Match
| Rank | Player | Team | Position | Goals | Assists | Rating (/10) | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Darwin Núñez | Uruguay | Striker | 3 | 0 | 9.5 | Scored a hat-trick and was named Man of the Match |
| 2 | Manuel Ugarte | Uruguay | Midfielder | 0 | 0 | 8.5 | Dominated midfield with pressing and ball recoveries |
| 3 | Facundo Pellistri | Uruguay | Winger | 1 | 1 | 8.5 | Added a goal and created numerous chances |
| 4 | Rodrigo Bentancur | Uruguay | Midfielder | 0 | 0 | 8.0 | Controlled possession and dictated the tempo |
| 5 | José María Giménez | Uruguay | Defender | 0 | 0 | 8.0 | Organized the defense and kept a clean sheet |
| 6 | Edson Álvarez | Mexico | Midfielder | 0 | 0 | 7.0 | Mexico’s best performer, providing leadership and defensive stability |
What This Result Means for Both Teams
Impact on Mexico
| Positives | Concerns |
|---|---|
| Valuable experience for younger players | Defensive vulnerabilities were exposed |
| Opportunity to assess squad depth | Struggled to cope with high pressing |
| Midfield showed moments of control | Lack of attacking efficiency in the final third |
| Lessons learned ahead of major tournaments | Difficulty converting possession into chances |
Impact on Uruguay
| Positives | Areas to Improve |
|---|---|
| Strong attacking display and clinical finishing | Maintain consistency against elite opposition |
| Successful execution of high-pressing tactics | Improve possession retention in certain phases |
| Excellent team chemistry and defensive organization | Continue integrating younger squad members |
| Increased confidence ahead of upcoming competitions | Avoid overreliance on individual brilliance |
FAQs
1. Who won the Mexico vs Uruguay match?
Uruguay defeated Mexico 4-0 in the international friendly played on June 5, 2024.
2. Who was the Man of the Match in Mexico vs Uruguay?
Darwin Núñez was the Man of the Match after scoring a hat-trick for Uruguay.
3. What formations did Mexico and Uruguay use?
Both teams started the match in a 4-2-3-1 formation, although their tactical approaches differed significantly.
4. Which players scored in the Mexico vs Uruguay match?
Darwin Núñez scored three goals, while Facundo Pellistri added the fourth goal for Uruguay.
5. What was the biggest takeaway from the match?
Uruguay’s aggressive pressing and clinical finishing proved decisive, while Mexico struggled to convert possession into clear scoring opportunities.
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