Mexico kept a 10th clean sheet in 15 internationals as their stubborn defence held Portugal to a 0-0 draw at the Estadio Azteca in a friendly.
Portugal threatened in the early stages, through Joao Felix with his half-volley looping onto the roof of the net, before Goncalo Ramos came closest to scoring in the first half by curling onto the outside of the post. With the match still level, Mexico grew in confidence as Obed Vargas struck just wide, before Rui Silva was forced into saving Israel Reyes’ shot from range.
Samu Costa also tried his luck from distance down the other end, but Raul Rangel was equal to it as Mexico extended an impressive defensive record of now only conceding three first-half goals in their last 17 games.
Both teams had further chances to open the scoring early in the second half, as Bruno Fernandes fired just over from the edge of the box, before Roberto Alvarado also curled narrowly over the bar from a similar position. Substitute Renato Veiga also headed over from a free-kick before the hour mark, but still it remained goalless.
Entering the final stages, Mexico missed a glorious chance to win it when their own substitute Armando Gonzalez headed wide at the far post when he really should have scored.
Joao Cancelo also headed off target in a promising position, as Portugal were left frustrated in their preparations for the FIFA World Cup this summer.
They did at least stretch their unbeaten H2H run against Mexico to six meetings though (W3, D3), but the hosts will be left feeling better with the result as they continue their own preparations leading up to the tournament, which will see them play South Africa in its opening match in the same venue.
