Overview

• Japan’s high press and pace controlled the first half, forcing key saves from Luis Malagón before Mexico steadied after the break without finding a finish.
• Captain Edson Álvarez left injured around the 30th minute and was replaced by Erik Lira, while Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano returned from the bench as Mexico created but failed to convert through Roberto Alvarado, Lira and Germán Berterame.
• Montes’s yellow was upgraded to a straight red in stoppage time after VAR for denying a breakaway, yet per FIFA practice and TUDN reporting the dismissal does not trigger an automatic suspension for the next friendly.
• Javier Aguirre admitted Mexico was not superior and said the team must improve its game reading and attacking depth before the next outing.
• Home fans booed at full time; Mexico now visits South Korea on Sept. 9 in Nashville, with the opponent coming off a 2-0 win over the United States.