Mexico trail to USA at half-time

Mexico 0 USA 1

Favourites Mexico are a goal down and struggling after the first-half of today's second-round clash with neighbours USA, despite enjoying most of the possession.

Mexico got off to a strong start and threatened the USA goal within two minutes and won a corner a minute later.

The USA had their backs to the wall as Mexico pushed forward, but showed their skills on the first break when Brian McBride shocked the Mexicans with a goal on eight minutes.

Mexico continued to press. Seven minutes later Morales broke into the box after beating his man on the left wing and drilled a shot just wide of the left hand post.

But as the half wore on, Mexico became increasingly agitated and lost much of the composure that made them clear favourites coming into the game, and now the result didn't look like a foregone conclusion after all.

On 25 minutes, Mexico's Blanco broke from midfield and his powerful left-footed drive had to be parried away by Brad Friedel in the USA goal.

The ball was cleared but Blanco continued to cause problems and Eddie Pope was cautioned for fouling him a minute later.

Mexico's ineffectiveness going forward prompted their coach to bring on Luis Fernandez for Ramon Morales just before the half-hour.

Mexico's chance came on 35 minutes when a botched clearance had to be punched away by Friedel. The ball fell to Blanco who chested it down and struck weakly to allow Friedel to make the save.

The USA responded almost immediately when Wolff was clean through, but Mexico keeper Peres made an outstanding save.

Mexico created a couple of half-chances towards the end of the half but went in a goal down at the break.