Mexico held again as Guzman equaliser denies Peru in New Jersey stalemate

Mexico's wait for a first victory under Rafael Marquez continued on Tuesday as Victor Guzman's second-half header cancelled out Jairo Velez's opener in a 1-1 international friendly draw with Peru at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey.

Three days after a 1-1 draw with Colombia in Baltimore, El Tri had to fight back once again to avoid defeat. Marquez, the former Barcelona defender, made wholesale changes to the side that started his first game in charge, handing opportunities to several young players.

Velez pounces, Guzman responds

Striker Isaias Violante had a back-post header blocked behind from Mexico's first real attack in the 24th minute, but Peru went in front just two minutes later. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese launched a long kick forward that neither Guzman nor Jeremy Marquez could deal with, allowing Velez to scamper into the box and bend his finish into the far corner.

Gallese did well to claw away a header from his own centre-back Renzo Garces, but the Peru goalkeeper was beaten four minutes into the second half when Guzman met Denzell Garcia's free-kick with a bullet header.

Orbelin Pineda's dipping volley flew wide just past the hour mark, but neither side created a clear-cut winning chance. Peru's best opportunity saw Oscar Garcia thwart Alex Valera immediately after the Mexico goalkeeper had gifted possession to Jhonny Vidales.

Flat El Tri still winless under Marquez

While Mexico edged the shot count against Colombia — 16 attempts to five and a 1.17 to 0.6 expected-goals advantage — they were flat on Tuesday. El Tri managed nine shots, three on target and just 0.45 xG, while Peru registered five shots, two on target and 0.29 xG. The teams combined for a mere 15 touches in each other's areas, with Mexico lacking penetration despite enjoying 64% possession and 56 final-third entries to Peru's 37.

Mexico have two more chances to get the Marquez era up and running during this extended international break, facing the United States and Chile in Los Angeles, before a CONCACAF Nations League tie in November.