New Zealand’s Kosta Barbarouses and Mexico’s Julian Quinones battle for the ball in the first half of the international friendly at Rose Bowl Stadium on September 7, 2024 in Pasadena, California. Photo: Getty Images
The All Whites suffered a heavy defeat in their friendly football match against Mexico in California.
Leading by one nil at halftime in Pasadena, Mexico put two more past the Kiwis in the second for a decisive 3-0 win.
Chris Wood was back for the first time in 2024 and Michael Boxall led New Zealand in his 50th cap.
Orbelín Pineda opened the scoring after five minutes and gave his team a 1-0 lead.
The All Whites had their best scoring chance just before half-time, when Joe Bell’s corner blazed across goal, but Tommy Smith could not head the ball into an empty net.
The result was assured after oranges when César Huerta and Luis Romo scored two more, sinking the visitors.
The All Whites will play against the United States in Cincinnati on Wednesday.
