Bermuda 1-5 Mexico: Macias double leads El Tri to strong Nations League start

Uriel Antuna, Hirving Lozano and Hector Herrera added to Jose Juan Macias' brace as Mexico eased past Bermuda on Friday.

Published : Oct 12, 2019 09:29 IST

Uriel Antuna celebrates scoring for Mexico
Uriel Antuna celebrates scoring for Mexico
lightbox-info

Uriel Antuna celebrates scoring for Mexico

Jose Juan Macias scored twice as Mexico commenced its CONCACAF Nations League campaign with a 5-1 thrashing of Bermuda on Friday.

Uriel Antuna guided Gerardo Martino's men ahead in Hamilton before young forward Macias added a brace to the goal he scored on international debut against Trinidad and Tobago earlier this month.

Hirving Lozano restored El Tri's three-goal buffer on the hour after Nahki Wells briefly gave Bermuda hope of a fightback and the Napoli star should have had a second when sent to the spot six minutes after his first.

His failure to convert mattered little as Hector Herrera fired in a fifth 19 minutes from the end to give the Gold Cup winner a commanding goal difference atop Group B in League A.

Antuna forced Dale Eve into a sharp save in the opening exchanges before making the breakthrough in the 25th minute.

The LA Galaxy winger darted in behind, controlled Hirving Lozano's well-weighted pass and coolly rounded the goalkeeper.

The host fell further behind in first-half stoppage time, Macias rifling home on the half-volley after Cristian Calderon nodded down Hector Herrera's lofted ball into the box.

 

The 20-year-old doubled his account eight minutes after the interval, converting the rebound from Antuna's saved finish, though Bermuda quickly responded courtesy of a skilful Wells finish from a Zeiko Lewis corner.

Lozano restored Mexico's advantage three minutes later by lashing across keeper Eve, only to then hit the upright with a penalty following Jaylon Bather's handball in the box.

But there was plenty of time left for a fifth and Atletico Madrid midfielder Herrera delivered it in spectacular fashion, bending a brilliant effort into the top-right corner from a difficult angle.

What does it mean? Mexico on top in Group B

One win apiece in two meetings between Bermuda and Panama last month left Group B in the balance and Mexico seized the opportunity on its entrance to the competition.

Though all three sides are level on points, El Tri's superior goal difference has set it up nicely.

Macias an emerging star for Mexico

Prolific in Liga MX, the talented Macias again looked a striker of international class in what was just his second appearance at this level.

Bather fortunate to avoid early bath

Culpable for failing to cut out Lozano's pass for the first goal, Bermuda centre-back Bather did his side a further disservice when he appeared to stamp on the Napoli winger in a later touchline incident.

He was lucky to escape without even a yellow card.

What's next?

Mexico has the chance to strengthen its position when it hosts Panama on Tuesday, the same day as Bermuda's friendly against Guatemala. 

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment