Mexico vs. Wales: Score, Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

Mexico made the most of mediocre conditions at MetLife Stadium in New York on Sunday, upending a short-handed Wales squad, 2-0. Monterrey striker Aldo De Nigris provided both scores for El Tri, in the 43rd minute and the 89th minute, while starting in place for Manchester United star Javier Hernandez.

The match was the first for the Dragons under manager Chris Coleman, who was without Gareth Bale and Joe Ledley in the midfield. Their absences left Wales without much force on the attack and afforded Mexico keeper Jesus Corona an inordinately easy afternoon.

They might not have had any chances at all had it not been for Craig Bellamy. The Liverpool striker was thought to be on the verge of retiring from international competition, but instead returned to the pitch for his country with a pair of solid set-ups in the first half and a shot that went just high in the second.

Mexico's manhandling might have been even more impressive on paper without the efforts of Wales keeper Jason Brown. The Aberdeen player came up with impressive saves against Edgar Andrade, Severo Meza and Giovani Dos Santos to keep the Dragons in the game, at the very least.

From the perspective of FIFA's world rankings, the result was hardly a surprise. Mexico came in ranked 20th in the world, well ahead of Wales at 41st.

Tweets of the Night

Here's what the official Twitter account of the Mexico national team had to say about Aldo De Nigris' first goal. Too many O's? Not enough? Or just the right number?

"

#1T 42' MEX 0-0 GAL ¡Gooooooooooooooooooooool! De Nigris anota por México de cabeza.

— Seleccion Mexicana (@miseleccionmx) May 27, 2012"

As Jamie Trecker of FOX Soccer noted, Aldo De Negris did precisely what was asked of him:

"

Positive for Mexico is that De Nigris, who is there to score goals, produced two very good ones

— FOX Soccer Trax (@FOXSoccerTrax) May 27, 2012"

Don't weep for Wales, though. At least the Dragons got to take in some of the scenery while they were in the Big Apple:

"

Wales team in front of the iconic Manhattan skyline on a morning walk before the game:yfrog.com/h3t6entj

— FA Wales (@FAWales) May 27, 2012"

Must-See Highlight

Let's have another look at Aldo De Nigris' two goals, complete with a makeshift horn section:

Grades for Key Mexico Players

Aldo De Nigris: A+

Mexico coach Jose Manuel de la Torre asked Aldo De Negris to do his best Chicharito impression, and he delivered in a big way. The 28-year-old Monterrey native accounted for both of El Tri's goals, first heading in a cross by Severo Meza at the end of the first half and playing target man again just prior to the close of the second, this time on service in from Edgar Andrade.

Edgar Andrade: A-

Edgar Andrade did well to control and create for Mexico with quick movements out wide. The Jaguares player set up De Nigris' second score after combining with Jesus Navala on one great-but-unconverted chance and Giovani Dos Santos on another.   

Grades for Key Wales Players

Craig Bellamy: B+

As paltry as Wales' attack was without Gareth Bale and Joe Ledley, it would've been even more deplorable without Craig Bellamy. The 32-year-old Cardiff native played in a beautiful cross that Hal Robson-Kanu headed wide in the 26th minute and shot a pass over to Steve Morison that the Norwich City man couldn't control before sending a Simon Church pass sailing just over the crossbar after halftime.

Jason Brown: B+

All things considered, Jason Brown did well to let in only two goals. The Aberdeen man faced 27 shots (eight on goal) while facing down a relentless Mexico attack that made the most of Wales' inability to create chances. 

Deciding Factor: Substituting for Stars

Mexico was able to replace its missing men to solid effect while Wales simply did not. On Mexico's end, Aldo De Nigris came forth with a fantastic performance in Chicharito's stead. As for Wales, Joe Allen and Hal Robson-Kanu looked largely feeble while flanking skipper Aaron Ramsey in place of Gareth Bale and Joe Ledley. 

Man of the Match: De Nigris

De Nigris deserves more than just distinction as "Man of the Match" for his double against Wales. He's also due an Oscar for the job he did of impersonating Chicharito on the way to finishing those two golden opportunities.

What's Next?

Both sides will take on Bosnia-Herzegovina in their next bit of action. El Tri will meet the Dragons at Soldier Field in Chicago on Thursday, while Wales will wait until Aug. 15, when they welcome them to Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Follow @Josh_E_Martin