Javier Aguirre’s side closed out the September international window with two draws.
Raúl Jiménez has reached 43 goals with the Mexican national teamHyeon-Gyu Oh recorded a goal and an assistSantiago Giménez scored in the stoppage timeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE
Santiago Gimenez scored at the dying seconds of extra time to keep Mexico unbeaten in September, helping El Tri secure a 2-2 comeback draw against South Korea. Despite the positives for the AC Milan striker, questions will remain for manager Javier Aguirre after back-to-back draws this month. Against Japan and South Korea, Mexico were clearly outplayed – a reflection of where El Tri currently stands.
For the clash at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Aguirre made eight changes from the lineup that faced Japan at the Oakland Coliseum.
On Tuesday, Raúl Jiménez opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, but the positive momentum would end quickly Aguirre’s men struggled to create danger.
South Korea, who had already showcased their strength by beating the United States 2-0 over the weekend, turned the game around with star man Son Heung-Min pulling the strings. The LAFC forward struck the equalizer in the 65th minute before Hyeon-gyu Oh added a stunning strike past Raúl Rangel to complete the comeback.
Just when it looked like Mexico would finish the window with a crushing defeat, Giménez delivered a thunderous goal in stoppage time to salvage the 2-2 draw. With October bringing two more tests against South American opposition, the pressure on Aguirre is only set to grow.
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Jiménez has reached 43 goals with the Mexican national team, moving just three shy of tying Jared Borgetti (46) as El Tri’s second all-time leading scorer. Javier Hernández tops the chart with 52 goals.
Getty Images SportTHE MVP
Hyeon-Gyu Oh, who plays for Belgian side Genk, recorded both a goal and an assist in South Korea’s 2-2 draw with Mexico. The striker set up Heung-min Son for the equalizer before racing past Johan Vásquez to fire a low strike past Raúl Rangel for the 2-1 lead. Oh was a disruptive presence up top alongside Son and Lee Kang-in, a trio that undoubtedly represents both the present and the future of the Korean national team.
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Hirving Lozano made his long-awaited return to the Mexican national team after more than a year away, but his performances in the two matches fell short of expectations. Against Japan, he came off the bench and played 30 minutes, while versus South Korea, he started but was subbed off in the 60th minute after offering little impact for Aguirre’s side.
It was hardly the comeback the San Diego FC forward had envisioned after such a lengthy absence. The question now is whether Aguirre will keep faith with him for the October FIFA window, as the countdown to the World Cup roster tightens and the coach narrows down his final 23. At 30 years old, Lozano left a poor impression and did little to strengthen his case for a starting role with
