Mexico vs. Panama: Score and Twitter Reaction from 2015 Friendly

A Carlos Vela goal in the 45th minute was all that Mexico needed in their friendly win over Panama on Tuesday night, 1-0. 

It's already been a wonderful past few days for Mexico, who defeated the United States on Saturday night to clinch their spot in the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia. While this friendly result doesn't hold nearly as much of an impact, Mexico is playing some of their best soccer in months.

But they joined Panama in respective struggles to penetrate their way into the box. After an Armando Cooper chance in the second minute from the left of Mexico's goal was saved away, Mexico and Panama proceeded to combine for nine shots from 18 yards or further in the next 43 minutes. ESPN Tri looked on:

But right at the stroke of halftime, Vela put Mexico in front, thanks to a cross into the left of the box that was cut back by Javier Aquino. His grounded cross went through goalkeeper Jaime Penedo and came to Vela, who had a wide-open net inches from goal. 

The goal continued to improve Mexico's already-great week, as Univision showed:

Vela, who was captaining his side on Tuesday, broke a personal-goal drought that hadn't seen him score since July 15, according to ESPN's Tom Marshall. 

It was also a much-needed assist for Aquino, according to ESPN FC's Cesar Hernandez:

Panama wasn't empty of chances on the night. Twice Roberto Nurse was mere yards away from Alfredo Talavera's goal only to see his attempts saved away. According to ESPN Tri, Talavela was the best man on the pitch for Mexico:

In fact, Panama outshot Mexico 15-11, but each side managed to get only four on target. 

Erick Davis had one last chance for Panama in the 88th minute, thanks to a free-kick from just outside the box, but he sent his left-footed effort high over the bar. 

In Mexico's final match before World Cup qualifying, a win will certainly improve what already is a confident side, even if it wasn't in the most convincing fashion. However, it is a fitting end for interim manager Ricardo Ferretti, who will be replaced by former Sao Paolo boss Juan Carlos Osorio ahead of qualifying.

Stats courtesy of ESPN FC.