Gilberto Mora scored a second-half equalizer as Mexico drew 1-1 with Colombia in an international friendly on Saturday night in Baltimore. Rafael Márquez's side showed resilience to fight back after falling behind to an early Luis Javier Suárez goal for the South Americans.
Colombia struck first in the ninth minute. Richard Ríos played in Suárez, who finished calmly past goalkeeper Raúl Rangel. Mexico struggled to create clear chances in the first half, with Hirving Lozano and Jorge Sánchez picking up yellow cards. After the break, El Tri increased the tempo and dominated possession, ending the match with 53% of the ball.
The pressure paid off just after the hour mark. Jesús Gallardo delivered a cross from the left and Mora rose to head home the leveler in the 62nd minute. Márquez immediately made a quadruple substitution, introducing Orbelín Pineda and Álvaro Fidalgo among others in search of a winner.
Néstor Lorenzo's Colombia side managed the game in the closing stages, content with a draw. Mexico, despite finishing with 16 shots to Colombia's five, could not find a decisive second goal.
The draw comes as Mexico sits top of their World Cup qualifying group with a perfect record of three wins from three matches. They have scored six goals and conceded none in that campaign.
Attention now turns to the next friendly, against Peru at home on Wednesday, September 30. It will be the final tune-up before World Cup qualifying resumes. The latest squad news and injury updates are available on our squad page.
Saturday's draw with Colombia caused a slight movement in the FIFA Ranking, the organization confirmed. The Colombian Football Federation indicated its national team lost 0.14 points in the world standings, remaining in 11th place. Mexico, the absolute leader of its World Cup qualifying group with 9 points, suffered the same point reduction. Colombia's manager, Néstor Lorenzo, assessed the performance: "Satisfied with the effort; the players gave their all in an intense match."
