42,501 See Mexico Hit Penalty Kick to Tie Argentina

In its third tie in its last three Coliseum appearances, the Mexican national soccer team survived Argentina, 1-1, Thursday night before 42,501 fans.

Diego Armando Maradona, the 25-year-old Argentine captain, is thought of as one of the world’s best players and is expected to lead his country to a respectable showing at next summer’s World Cup in Mexico.

Although Maradona did not disappoint, the man who now plays for the Napoli club of Italy did not produce anything spectacular, either.

As far as this game was concerned, at least, it was a study in mediocrity by both teams. The Argentine defense was shaky, and lucky that its mixups did not result in Mexican goals.

At other times, confusion in the Argentine back four could have caused problems if the Mexican forwards had capitalized.

Argentine goalkeeper Luis Islas stopped the only two challenging shots that Mexico was able to fire at him in the first half, but on both occasions, once in the 31st minute, and once in the 42nd, he bobbled the ball in front of the net and was lucky to recover in time.

On the other side, the Argentine attack, in most cases spearheaded by Maradona, did produce more opportunities than the Mexicans, but that’s not saying much. When a good chance was came about, instead of Argentine forwards and midfielders running to create space for maneuvering, they gathered near the man with the ball, waiting for a pass.

Argentina, however, did score first, in the 35th minute.

Maradona, on the right side of goal about 20 yards out, beat Mexican defenders Mario Trejo and Felix Cruz Barbosa and collected a pass all alone near the right post with only Larios to beat.

Maradona slid the ball under the onrushing Mexican goalie to put his side ahead, 1-0.

Mexico tied it in the 73rd minute after Argentine defender Jose Luis Brown shoved Mexican forward Javier Aguirre to the ground inside the penalty area. Captain Tomas Boy calmly knocked the resulting penalty kick past a guessing Islas.

Argentina, specifically Maradona, had the best opportunity to break the tie in the 82nd minute. Maradona, located directly in front of the penalty area, maneuvered past three Mexican defenders, but none of his teammates were there for an outlet pass.