WASHINGTON:Alex Zendejas and Fulleren Balogun scored as the United States beat Japan 2-0, while Mexico fought back to draw 2-2 with South Korea in international friendlies on Tuesday.
Zendejas opened the scoring in the 30th minute, and Monaco striker Balogun added a late insurance goal in the 64th, giving the U.S. a solid win in front of 20,192 fans in Columbus, Ohio. The result improves their record this year to seven wins and six draws.
“I was just waiting for my moment,” said Zendejas, who plays for Club America in Mexico. “Everything has been crazy. I didn’t expect to get called up. I’m just trying to make the most of every chance.”
In Nashville, Tennessee, Mexico’s AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez struck in the fourth minute of stoppage time to rescue a 2-2 draw against South Korea.
All four teams are ramping up ahead of next year’s World Cup. Japan and South Korea are competing through Asian qualifiers, while the U.S. and Mexico prepare as co-hosts alongside Canada.
Earlier in the week, South Korea defeated the U.S. 2-0, and Japan played Mexico to a 0-0 draw. Japan rotated all 11 starters against Mexico, while U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino changed five starters after the loss to South Korea.
“I’m satisfied because I feel the players deserved this result,” Pochettino said. “When you’re confident in your approach, it’s about moving forward. I thanked the players at the end and encouraged them to keep improving as a team.”
Japan’s goalkeeper Kosuke Osako made nine saves despite the loss, while U.S. keeper Matt Freese recorded six to earn a clean sheet. Freese said the win showed the team’s plan is working.
“When we are brave, aggressive, and play our way, we can compete with the best and perform at our best,” he said.
The U.S. took the lead when Zendejas met Max Arfsten’s cross from the left wing, striking the ball low into the far corner with his left foot.
“Luckily, the ball came to me,” Zendejas said. “I just had to finish it once it got to my side.”
Balogun doubled the lead after receiving a pass from Christian Pulisic and blasting a left-footed shot into the far corner. “It was important to get the win,” Balogun said. “We’re building something big here. It takes time. The result and confidence are what matter most. I’m happy with the team’s performance.”
- Mexico’s late comeback
In Nashville, Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez headed Mexico ahead in the 22nd minute. Sun Heung-min, now with Los Angeles FC, equalized for South Korea in the 65th minute with a left-footed finish. Oh Hyeon-gyu put South Korea ahead 2-1 in the 75th, but Gimenez struck late from outside the box, sending a left-footed shot into the top left corner to level the game.
