Mexico vs. Panama: Score, Grades and Reaction from International Friendly

Erick "Cubo" Torres scored in the 89th minute as Mexico defeated Panama 1-0 on Sunday in an international friendly at the Estadio Corregidora in Queretaro, Mexico. 

Hosts Mexico were the better side throughout the match but mostly failed to trouble Panama goalkeeper Oscar McFarlane until substitute Torres popped up with the winner one minute from time.

Panama carved out the game's first chance in the fourth minute despite seeing little possession until that point. Blas Perez won possession off Hector Herrera in midfield and slotted a pass through to Ricardo Buitrago. After latching on to the ball, Buitrago only had to beat Alfredo Talavera, but the Mexican goalkeeper rushed off his line to block.

At the other end, Javier Orozco had a shot blocked after Mexico swept down the pitch at pace. 

Mexico came close again in the 27th minute as Javier Hernandez pounced on a defensive miscue. McFarlane put himself in danger needlessly, trying to dribble outside his area. Chicharito intercepted and curled a shot on goal from distance, but with the goalkeeper stranded, Panama's Leonel Parris headed the ball around the post.

Frustration began to build for Mexico as the hosts struggled to impose their will on the game. As half-time approached, Panama looked comfortable, largely untroubled by Mexico's attackers. The hosts had a half-chance in the 45th minute as Miguel Layun curled in a cross for Orozco, but Orozco flicked his header well off target.

The first chance of the second half fell to Mexico in the 52nd minute. Luis Venegas chested down a high pass in the box and, in one smooth motion, turned and volleyed on goal.

McFarlane saved.

Layun had the next shot in the 57th minute, but McFarlane saved again.

Oribe Peralta entered as a substitute in the 59th minute and came close to scoring nine minutes later, but his bouncing header trickled wide of the post.

A goalless draw was beginning to seem inevitable, but Mexico finally made the breakthrough in the 89th minute.

The goal came from almost nothing, McFarlane spilling Miguel Herrera's long-distance shot. The ball popped straight up in the box, and Peralta headed down to Torres, who slammed into the net for the winner.

Grades

Alfredo Talavera: A

Talavera rotated into Mexico's line-up, starting ahead of World Cup hero Guillermo Ochoa. He turned in a good performance and kept a clean sheet, though in fairness, Panama rarely threatened.

In the fourth minute, Talavera raced off his line alertly to make a good save on Buitrago.

It was generally a quiet day for the Mexican goalkeeper, but Talavera showed good distribution and commanded his area well, apart from a nervy moment on a high cross early in the second half.

Javier Hernandez: C

The Real Madrid striker captained El Tri for the day. He nearly scored in the 27th minute, taking advantage of a mistake by Panama goalkeeper McFarlane. 

Though he played well for much of the match, Chicharito struggled to work himself free in dangerous areas and was unable to make a difference on the scoresheet.

Post-Match Reaction

To follow…