Mexico Settles for Draw vs. Wales in Friendly Ahead of 2018 World Cup

Mexico is hoping to make a deep run in the 2018 World Cup, but the team only managed a 0-0 draw against Wales in an international friendly Monday.

Playing at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, Mexico controlled the action, but Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey prevented the team from getting onto the scoresheet.

Although this was just an exhibition, El Tri likely isn't too satisfied with a draw against a non-qualifying opponent.

Mexico Looks Shaky with World Cup Looming

This was the first of three friendlies for Mexico before the World Cup, and despite some strong play, it still left a lot to be desired.

The lineup certainly wasn't what we will see in Russia, with Andres Guardado, Hirving Lozano, Guillermo Ochoa and others either on the bench or still getting their fitness up to 100 percent.

However, there were star players in the starting 11, including Hector Herrera, Jesus "Tecatito" Corona and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez. Giovani and Jonathan dos Santos also came on in the second half.

This raised the expectations against a team that wasn't able to qualify for the World Cup.

Mexico took control early, holding possession for 63 percent of the first half while outshooting Wales 10-2, per ESPN FC.

Still, Cesar Hernandez of ESPN described an inconsistent half:

It was more one-sided after halftime, with El Tri finishing with a 22-3 advantage in shots.

Dafydd Pritchard of BBC Wales gave his thoughts on the performance:

The problem is the team couldn't finish off things in the final third. Many good chances were squandered near the box, while Hennessey stopped some close shots for Wales.

Mexico will need to do a better job of scoring to advance in the World Cup.

El Tri Borderline Players Securing a WC Roster Spot

Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio made some questionable additions to the squad for the friendly, but a few of the players were given a chance to prove they belong.

Edson Alvarez was one of those who took advantage, playing all 90 minutes and impressing with his ability to compete all over the field.

The midfielder was patient on offense and seemed to always be in good position defensively, giving himself a strong claim for a ticket to Russia.

Hugo Ayala and Jesus Molina weren't quite as consistent, but both showed enough to keep them in consideration for a roster spot.

Tecatito likely doesn't have to worry about whether he is going to the World Cup, but there wasn't too much confidence in him after a questionable year with FC Porto. However, he came through with a strong effort, as Jon Arnold of Goal.com described:

He took three shots, one on goal, and performed well even if he didn't score.

Wales Passing the Torch to Younger Talent

Even without an upcoming tournament to prepare for, Wales began the match with a competitive roster.

There was no Gareth Bale, who is coming off his Champions League win with Real Madrid, but star players Aaron Ramsey and Ashley Williams were in the starting lineup, as well as experienced options such as Chris Gunter and Sam Vokes.

While Williams was forced to leave in the 21st minute because of an apparent rib injury, it was clear this was an "A" lineup for manager Ryan Giggs.

Things changed in the second half, with Wales getting a chance to see the younger players available.

We saw the senior-team debut of 21-year-old George Thomas and 18-year-old Matt Smith in the second half. David Brooks and Tom Lockyer were also among the young players who saw action in the match.

Pritchard described the impact of the new additions:

Wales hasn't been able to get back to the World Cup, but the run to the Euro 2016 semifinals shows the potential from the country. If the young players step up in the next few years, there can be even more success at major tournaments in the future.

What's Next?

Mexico has two more international friendlies on the schedule before competing in the World Cup. The squad will face Scotland on Saturday before matching up with Denmark on June 9.

Wales doesn't have another fixture scheduled until the UEFA Nations League opens in September.