For Tangerines

hosts even switched the venue from Toluca “where they had received angry abuse from their supporters after losing to Borussia Dortmund” – which meant a return to the imposing national stadium.

However, there was no rout when United met Mexico again on May 17. On the contrary, despite another 75,000 in attendance as anticipation mounted for the World Cup, Kerr’s personnel were by no means disgraced and, if they had taken their opportunities, might have fared even better.

The home side managed just a brace of goals and were let off the hook when Ian Mitchell missed a penalty. Still, the 2-0 reverse was nothing to be ashamed about and Kerr responded: “We showed a lot of character, which the result doesn’t truly show.”

Mexican national soccer team at the Azteca Stadium.