Host nation Mexico, which will face Korea in the CONCACAF World Cup group stage, showed threatening form against Ghana. It was more than a simple victory. With high possession and overwhelming attacking metrics, it was a match that raised concerns from Korea's perspective.
Mexico earned a 2-0 complete victory over Ghana on the 23rd (Korean time) at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico.
They dominated the atmosphere from the start. Mexico took an early lead in the second minute of the first half with a goal by Brian Gutiérrez. A right-footed long-range shot from outside the box pierced precisely the lower right of the goal.
Strong pressing and quick buildup continued from the early stages. In the 21st minute of the first half, Gilberto Mora struck the post with a shot, and in the ensuing sequence Armando González also had a shot, unsettling Ghana's defense.
Ghana responded with counterattacks. In the 15th minute of the first half, Felix Afena-Gyan tried a right-footed shot in a quick transition but it missed the goal narrowly.
Mexico grew sharper in the second half. In the ninth minute of the second half, Guillermo Martínez, who received a pass from Luis Romo, scored a second goal with a left-footed shot on a counterattack. It was a finish that precisely hit the upper left of the goal.
Ghana did not back down easily. In the eighth minute of the second half, Jesurun Rak-Saki's shot struck the crossbar, and Felix Afena-Gyan followed with consecutive shots. However, Mexico goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo made successive saves to prevent goals.
The statistics also clearly favored Mexico. Mexico held a 60%-40% advantage in possession and led 16-7 in total shots. They recorded eight shots on target, while Ghana had three.
The attacking buildup in particular was impressive.
They touched inside the opponent's box as many as 28 times. Ghana remained at just eight. Mexico also showed stable game management with a 93% pass completion rate.
There was also a large difference in long-pass accuracy. Mexico recorded a 74% long-pass success rate, while Ghana managed 33%. It meant Mexico controlled the ball flow and tempo throughout the match.
Defensive concentration was also steady. Mexico recorded 16 tackles, eight interceptions, and the goalkeeper made three saves. By contrast, Ghana was pushed back so much that they cleared the ball as many as 21 times.
It was a performance Korea should certainly be wary of.
Mexico is one of the host nations for this CONCACAF World Cup. With home atmosphere and the advantage of adapting to the local environment, they showed a considerably threatening display in terms of attack speed and pressing intensity.
Especially their quick counter transitions, use of the flanks and willingness to take long-range shots emerged as elements Korea's defense should watch out for.
Coach Hong Myung-bo's team will meet Mexico again in this World Cup group stage. In the 2018 Russia World Cup, Korea lost 1-2 to Mexico. Son Heung-min scored a consolation goal then, but Korea conceded consecutive goals to Carlos Vela and Chicharito and fell.
With an eight-year World Cup rematch approaching, Mexico showed from the friendly that they will be formidable opponents.
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