Posted on January 26, 2012
HOUSTON — Rafael Marquez Lugo and Oribe Peralta scored late in the match to break a 1-1 deadlock and boost Mexico to a 3-1 triumph over Venezuela in an international friendly at Reliant Stadium on Wednesday night.
Marquez Lugo snapped the tie by tapping the ball into an empty net in the 88th minute. About a minute later, Peralta converted a turnover to give El Tri some breathing room.
The Mexican side included many young players who are trying to make the country’s Under-23 team that will try to qualify for the Olympics in the United States in March.
“It was a complex game against a very disciplined opponent,” Mexico coach Jose Manuel de la Torre told reporters. “This type of game helps us prepare for upcoming important competitions.”
Venezuela, which dropped a 1-0 decision to the U.S. in Glendale, Ariz. in the seventh minute of stoppage time on Saturday night, struck first in the 52nd minute as forward Edgar Greco headed in a corner kick by captain Micky Mea Vitali, beating goalkeeper Jesus Corona with a low shot.
The Mexicans equalized in the 68th minute on a goal by veteran defender Carlos Salcido. He fired a shot from the left side past goalkeeper Leonardo Morales.
“We wanted to start the year off on the right foot,” Salcido told reporters.
Photo: Defender Carlos Salcido started Mexico’s comeback with his equalizing goal. Andy Mead/YCJ
Categories: Mexico, North America
Tags: Carlos Salcido, Jose Manuel de la Torre, Oribe Peralta, Rafael Marquez Lugo, Reliant Stadium
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