Jaime Lozano defends Mexico's 2-2 draw against Australia

The Mexican national team held Australia to a 2-2 draw at AT&T Stadium on Saturday night, as goals from Raul Jimenez and debutant Cesar Huerta propelled head coach Jaime Lozano to walk away pleased with El Tri. 

The Socceroos kicked off stronger, taking advantage of a set piece to earn the early lead in the first half. Lozano addressed El Tri’s historical weakness to defend corners following the match, labeling the situation as “an accumulation of errors.”

“They took advantage of a set piece and ended up doing damage, it is true that historically set pieces hurt us, it is an accumulation of errors,” he said. 

Mexico continued to push forward in an attempt to find the equalizer, before a handball inside Australia’s box awarded El Tri a penalty. Santiago Gimenez stepped up to the spot, sending the ball directly to the post to miss the chance. 

Despite the failed attempt at goal, Lozano defended the player before praising  his confidence. 

"I like that the player with confidence stands in front of the ball. He has made eight in a row with his club and  I like his personality. I will continue analyzing him. Just as he won us the Gold Cup, today he failed. But it is everyone's problem, we are going to stand up for each of our teammates,” he said. 

“Santi is young. He had to miss a penalty, or the game would have been different. But it is football, the important thing is to continue, learn from everything, continue trusting and grow as a coaching staff, in which the group is more united.”

Australia and Mexico both earned penalties late in the second half, this time inspiring Raul Jimenez to step up for El Tri and drive the ball into the back of the net. 

Though the inclusion of Jimenez caused heavy criticism from the team’s fanbase, with many hoping Lozano would call time on his national team career, the head coach reiterated that El Tri “belongs to everyone who is at a good level.”

“The national team belongs to everyone, whoever is at a good level, with determination will continue to have calls, very happy for them, for the mentality, they never broke down or stopped believing, a little bit of time maybe something could have been done more.” 

Mexico concludes the September international window with a friendly against Uzbekistan on September 12.