Mexico vs. Honduras: Score and Twitter Reaction for 2015 Friendly

Miguel Herrera came into Mexico's final Gold Cup tuneup under the most fire of his tenure. Controversial public statements and Mexico's inconsistent play left some in the country wondering whether Herrera was the right choice to replace the also-controversial Jose "Chepo" de la Torre. 

Those questions aren't stopping after Wednesday night.

The Mexico attack died amid injuries and ineffectiveness as Honduras battled them to a 0-0 draw at NRG Stadium in Houston. 

The match was the final time El Tri will take the field together before Gold Cup play begins in the United States and Canada July 7. It will do little to inspire confidence for a side that has not won a match since a May 30 3-0 stomping of Guatemala. Their last four matches have included three draws and a loss to Brazil.

ESPN's Fernando Palomo commented on Mexico's struggles:

Wednesday's scoreless draw will do little to quell frustrations, as Mexico's attack once again looked limp. Herrera's club managed only four shots on goal in 12 attempts, consistently getting close but never capitalizing. This came despite the Mexico boss going away from his preferred 5-3-2 formation to a 4-4-2 look designed to create more offense. 

"I don't have doubts about the 5-3-2, but we have to try the 4-4-2. It seems a lot of people like it," Herrera said, per Jon Arnold of Goal.com. 

Honduras, meanwhile, were held to one shot on goal and looked happy to get through with a solid result. 

The first half was filled almost entirely with rough tackles and missed opportunities. The two sides each managed just one shot on goal, with their attacks at times aimlessly working around the pitch. 

Mexico's Javier Hernandez twice had opportunities inside the Honduran box but came up empty-handed. The first was by far Mexico's best scoring opportunity of the first half, as Carlos Vela's shot in the 26th minute hit woodwork and bounced in the direction of Hernandez, whose attempt went into the arms of Donis Escober. Given another opportunity seven minutes later after a beautiful through ball from Vela, Hernandez missed what was essentially a wide-open shot to the right.

Bob Levey/Associated Press

Insult unfortunately proved a prelude to injury later in the half. Chasing down a ball in the Honduras side of the field, Hernandez tangled with defender Brayan Beckeles and went crashing to the ground on his shoulder. Carlos Nava of ESPN.com reported Chicharito suffered a fractured clavicle and was taken to the hospital to undergo further testing.

The blow will be absolutely critical for Mexico's chances in the Gold Cup. Hernandez is currently second on Mexico's all-time international goals list behind Jared Borgetti, per ESPN Stats & Info. While he suffered through a lost club season at Real Madrid, Tom Marshall of ESPN FC highlighted his recent form:

The two sides went into the halftime break tied and without much offensive headway. They combined for just 10 shots (two on goal) and went into the locker room looking for answers.

None came.

Honduras' attack was rendered almost irrelevant in the second half. They had one truly good shot beginning in the 80th minute, but an attempt by Andy Najar was blocked and Rubilio Castillo missed perhaps Honduras' best opportunity of the match after a set piece a minute later. Honduras finished the match without a single shot on goal after the 18th minute.

Bob Levey/Associated Press

Mexico, meanwhile, spent most of the final 45 minutes attempting bad shots outside the box. Their best shot at going ahead didn't come until stoppage time, when Diego Reyes had a beautiful header opportunity after a Giovani dos Santos cross. Escober earned his fourth save of the night on the shot, and the two sides went into the night with a whimper.

It'll be interesting to see how Mexico reacts going into the Gold Cup. They play Cuba next Wednesday in their opening match and appear to be the favorite in Group C. Honduras, who are playing much better of late, will probably start out with a loss against the United States.