With a goal from Orbelín Pineda!: Mexico defeats Turkey in a friendly before the 2025 Gold Cup

The Mexican National Soccer Team defeated Turkey 1-0 this Tuesday in a friendly match played at Kenan Memorial Stadium in North Carolina , as part of their preparation for the 2025 Gold Cup .

The match took place just three days after Mexico 's 4-2 defeat to Switzerland , a result that raised questions about the team's performance. This time, Mexico managed to put on a more organized display against an opponent that fielded its star-studded squad, with Real Madrid 's Arda Güler as the star player.

The match remained evenly balanced throughout the first half. Turkey created the first chance with a free kick that Luis Malagón managed to turn into a corner. In the 22nd minute, Yildiz tried his luck with a volley that sailed just wide of the Mexican goal.

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Mexico responded shortly after with a header from Julián Quiñones that goalkeeper Ozer deflected; the ball hit the crossbar, and Orbelín Pineda tapped the rebound into the back of the net. However, the goal was disallowed for offside.

Just when it looked like both teams would go into the break scoreless, the Mexican midfielder known as "Maguito" surprised everyone with a left-footed half-turn in the 45th minute, scoring the only goal of the match. The first half ended tensely after a brief spat of brawling that didn't escalate.

For the second half, Turkey took a more offensive approach in search of an equalizer. Javier Aguirre made changes in the 62nd minute, bringing on Raúl Jiménez, César Huerta, and Erik Lira .

Mexico had chances to extend their lead. Alexis Vega headed the ball, forcing a save from the Turkish goalkeeper, while César "Chino" Huerta came close to scoring a second goal after a collective move, but his shot hit the post.

In the final minutes, the match became more intense, with another burst of brawl and a high physical pace. Santiago Giménez also saw action in the closing minutes.

With this victory, Mexico closes its preparations with a better image ahead of the start of the Gold Cup , a tournament in which it will debut next Saturday against the Dominican Republic .

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