Chile vs. Mexico: Score, Recap and Post-Match Reaction

Mexico and Chile battled to a hard-fought 0-0 draw on Saturday in both teams' first match since the 2014 World Cup.

The match took place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the new home of the San Francisco 49ers. Bleacher Report's Karl Buscheck noted that the contest was a sellout despite neither squad being truly a "home" team:

Fortunately, those watching at the stadium and on television were certainly treated to an exciting battle even though neither team could get on the scoresheet.

Arturo Vidal started and played well for Chile despite talk of a knee injury. He even took to Twitter before the game to explain that he was healthy:

Despite the gossip, he appeared to be at full strength throughout his time on the pitch.

With Vidal, Alexis Sanchez, Giovani dos Santos, Oribe Peralta and others in the respective starting lineups, fans likely expected a high-scoring battle. Unfortunately, neither side was able to break through with a goal.

Chile were the first to get a serious chance early on, but Guillermo Ochoa came through with the stop:

The two sides kept trading opportunities in the first half, although it ended up going into intermission scoreless. Still, Cesar Hernandez of ESPN FC saw a lot to like from Mexico:

ESPN FC's Tom Marshall also enjoyed the first 45 minutes:

Mexico had a few more opportunities as the match continued, but they could not put the ball on net, as Bay Area Deportes noted:

Conversely, Chile did a better job of controlling possession and made great passes, although there was little action in the final third. 

In the end, the two sides were forced to settle for a scoreless draw in a competitive international friendly.

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera had a lot of faith in his squad, although he was aware the score is not the most important thing in a friendly. According to Kyle McCarthy of Fox Soccer, the coach explained his view before the match:

"

The first goal is to see the team do well and play well. The team looks dynamic and well positioned to win. We want people to leave happy. We’ve again made the chemistry within the team. We will have a strong team against us. It will be a good game.

"

There were certainly some negatives to from the match, but there was likely enough to like in the return to international football.

El Tri will likely have an easier time in the next matchup against Bolivia, scheduled for Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET. Expect a similar lineup with more success against a team that is less competitive at the world level.

Meanwhile, Chile will also look to have more success in the next international friendly against Haiti on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. The South American squad will hope it can end this current break strong before most of the players return to Europe to continue their club seasons.

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