Mexico 3-1 Republic of Ireland
Mexico blew Ireland away with a three-goal blast at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as Jesus Corona, Raul Jimenez and Carlos Vela roasted Martin O’Neill’s boys.
The home team was a clear favourite to win this friendly on betting websites. As it turned out, the pre-match handicap betting odds (suggesting a one-goal start would give the Irish a chance) understated the Mexicans’ superiority.
Ireland have some crucial World Cup football games coming up and travelled without big guns Seamus Coleman, Robbie Brady, Shane Long and Stephen Ward; and it was the defensive unit which was exposed as the Mexicans ran riot.
Corona opened the scoring on 16 minutes with a delightful individual goal, beating two players before curling a clever shot home. And the Irish faced a mountain to climb when Jimenez made it two from the penalty spot after James McClean clumsily brought down Vela.
It was game over for Ireland when Vela added a third shortly after half-time, tapping in from close range after Darren Randolph had made a smart save from lively substitute Oribe Peralta. Stephen Gleeson did pull one back with his first international goal to give Ireland’s second string respectability.
O’Neill has plenty to think about before his team faces a crucial World Cup qualifier against Austria on June 11th, but his team will surely look very different.
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