The Mexican national team survived on Saturday against the pressure of a superior Portugal and drew 0-0 in a friendly match held at the reopening of the Azteca stadium after its remodeling. The visitors, fifth in the world ranking, dominated from midfield and stifled the Mexican forwards, although they could not reflect it on the scoreboard. In the first half, Portugal came close to taking advantage of a Mexican defensive lapse in the 12th minute, but goalkeeper José Raúl Rangel appeared in time to stop Bruno Fernandes. The team of Spanish coach Roberto Martínez felt comfortable on the field, attacked down the wings, and in the 26th minute let go of the opportunity to take the lead with a shot from Gonçalo Ramos that hit the post. At a slow pace, the Portuguese maintained their dominance; they had a 61-39 possession advantage but lacked accuracy. They turned up the volume in the stadium to drown out the offensive chants. As part of their training for the World Cup, in which they are title contenders, Portugal will face the United States on Tuesday, while Mexico will play Belgium, who thrashed the Americans 5-2 this Saturday. In the 45+2 minute, Samuel Costa shot from behind, and 'El Tala' Rangel held onto the ball. In the second half, both teams made numerous substitutions; the game's pace increased, though without any area arrivals. Led by Vitinha in midfield, Portugal pressured and was better in the second half, but 'El Tri' held firm. Frustrated, Mexican fans began chanting homophobic slurs, with no intervention from the referee or authorities.
