In Harrison, New Jersey, Mexico’s new international chapter under Rafael Márquez is finding its rhythm with a little laughter before the serious work resumes. Monday’s training session ahead of Peru produced an unlikely comic moment when Luis Romo accidentally stood on Johan Vásquez’s right foot during a group exercise.
Vásquez went down holding his foot, prompting an immediate reaction from the players around him. The concern lasted only briefly: the defender was able to continue normally, while Romo and his Mexico teammates saw the lighter side once it was clear there was no lasting problem.
It was a small scene, but one that captured the mood around the squad as Márquez prepares for his second match in charge. Mexico opened the new era with a 1-1 draw against Colombia in Baltimore. Colombia took the lead through Luis Suárez, before Gilberto Mora levelled in the 62nd minute, becoming the youngest player to score for El Tri.
Peru next in New Jersey
Mexico meet Peru on Tuesday 29 September at Sports Illustrated Stadium, the venue in Harrison that sits across the Hudson from New York City. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 in central Mexico.
The fixture offers Márquez another opportunity to shape his group after the encouraging recovery against Colombia, with Romo and Vásquez both expected to be available following their harmless training-ground mishap.
- Date: Tuesday 29 September
- Kick-off: 19:00, central Mexico time
- Venue: Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey
- Broadcast in Mexico: Canal 5, Azteca 7, Amazon Prime Video and Claro Sports
