The All Whites have been beaten 3-0 by Mexico in an international friendly match at the Rose Bowl in California.
On a hot evening in Pasadena, Darren Bazeley’s team struggled to keep up with Mexico, who dominated the game from the start. This was the first meeting between the two teams since 2017, when Mexico won 2-1 at the Confederations Cup in Russia.
Mexico took an early lead in the fifth minute with a goal from Orbelin Pineda and almost doubled their lead before halftime, hitting the post.
Despite some close calls, the All Whites couldn’t create clear scoring chances. Mexico scored again in the second half with goals from Cesar Huerta in the 53rd minute and Luis Romo just four minutes later.
This defeat marks New Zealand’s seventh consecutive loss to Mexico since 2000. The All Whites will next face the United States in Cincinnati on Wednesday.
