Mexico and Colombia Tie, 0-0, as Goalkeepers Are the Stars

Colombia and Mexico played to a scoreless tie in the four-nation U.S. Cup ’95 tournament Wednesday night in front of 20,432 fans at RFK Stadium.

In the 24th minute, American referee Raul Domingues ruled that Colombian goalkeeper Rene Higuita illegally picked up a back pass and awarded Mexico a free kick inside the penalty area. But Marcelino Bernal’s eight-yard shot was blocked by the Colombian defensive wall.

The game was marked by a series of fine saves by both goalkeepers. Mexico’s Jorge Campos denied Niber Arboleda a goal in the 30th minute and made a spectacular save off Freddy Rincon’s header in the 63rd minute after a corner kick was deflected by Hernan Gaviria.

At the other end, Higuita tipped a right-foot shot by Luis Garcia over the crossbar in the 34th minute and saved an 18-yard drive by Luis Alves in the second half.

Nigeria plays Mexico in Dallas on Saturday and the United States faces Colombia on Sunday at Rutgers Stadium.