USA v Mexico: 5 Things we learnt from this game

A fine header in the first half from Chicharito Hernandez and two more from Erick Gutierrez and Uriel Antuna in the second half helped Mexico crush USA by 3-0 margin at the MetLife Stadium.

It seemed like a Gold Cup rematch, but unlike last time out when the Americans lost by 1-0, a substandard second half display meant that they were blown away by Gerardo Martino's side.

The hosts started positively and created half-openings in various zones of the pitch, but later faltered as Mexico overpowered them in midfield and sucked the venom out of their attacks high up the pitch. To add to their misery, Josh Sargent's penalty miss in the 87th minute of the game robbed USA off their consolation.

Mexico, who were without their best player in Hirving Lozano for most part of the game as he watched on from the bench, made light work of their opponents and remained in cruise control throughout, especially in the second phase of the game.

USA were punished for their lackluster defending, and on that note, we look at the five major talking points from Mexico's comprehensive triumph over Gregg Berhalter's troops.

#5 USA start off as the better side but fade away as the first half wears on

Christian Pulisic, who did complete a few dribbles early on, ran out of chances for himself eventually

The hosts began on a bright note in front of a vibrant New Jersey crowd against Mexico, winning fouls early on in promising areas of the pitch and playing a step ahead of their opposition, who, fair to say, took a while to settle into the game.

Although El Tri broke quickly in numbers against a USA defense vulnerable to the counter, it was the home team that built up from the back and enjoyed more possession early on.

Sergino Dest broke away down the flank to supply a decent pass to Weston McKennie, who launched one straight on goal. It was catching practice for Jonathan Orozco, but signs looked inspiring for Berhalter on the touchline.

Moments later, young Dest himself rifled a venomous effort on goal from outside the box, only to be denied by a Orozco again.

#4 Horrible positioning from USA results in the opener from Hernandez

Just when it seemed like the United States were breaking Mexico's rhythm by intercepting consistently, winning fouls and defending corners well, a sensational move from the away side resulted in the opener.

One may also argue that Chicharito's well-taken header more or less decided the fate of the game itself, as USA struggled to capitalize on chances in the final third and later ran out of ideas.

Tecatito Corona, who was pretty much having an ordinary outing, did spectacularly well to go through the legs of Dest, and then maintaining the presence of mind to supply a first-rate assist to Hernandez.

Just 21 minutes in, the Sevilla forward netted his side's first goal - from there, not many would bet against his poacher's instincts.

However, what's more important to scan and note is Wil Trapp's positioning and awareness. As a defender, you just cannot allow Chicharito to remain unlocked behind your back. Besides, if looked at the moment when the cross came in, there were two other black shirts free inside the 18-yard box - completely unmarked.

Once Corona broke away from the full back's challenge, it was just a matter of choice, as to who he would have to pick out.

#3 It was indeed a matter of when Mexico would add the second goal

Young Uriel Antuna rounded off a well-deserved win for El Tri

Corona was far from contended with the assist, as he continued to wreak havoc and cause a sense of uncertainty among the USA defenders. He was at the heart of a defensive turnover on the cusp on half time, but failed to apply the finishing touches to what could have been a sumptuous Mexico goal.

It could and should have been the end of the game, there and then.

Nevertheless, the 26-year-old continued to threaten in the first half, testing the opposition in the 36th minute with a left-footed effort. Just before the hour mark, he got on the end of another blistering counter-attack but scuffed his shot wide.

At that point, it was just a matter of time before Mexico buried in their second goal. That finally did happen in the 77th minute, when a mistimed pass played Gutierrez in. The latter went for placement and landed his shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner, exemplifying the art of being clinical.

By then, the USA shoulders dropped along with the intensity, which resulted in the third goal from Uriel Antuna from the center of the box. Easy pickings, to say the least.

#2 Hirving Lozano lit up the stage in a 20-minute cameo

Hirving Lozano was just too good for the opposition

Hirving Lozano was an absolute treat to watch since coming off the bench. The Napoli winger ran his socks off, injected much-needed pace and intelligence to proceedings and capped off his sublime effort with an assist for the third goal.

He dragged a shot wide just moments after coming on in the 70th minute, but more importantly, it was the build-up to the strike and the cohesion displayed by Lozano and the ones around him that grabbed many eyeballs.

Carlos Rodriguez played him in - credit Lozano for his positioning, but the 24-year-old should have probably scored from his first shot of the day. Since then, Lozano continued to cause trouble to the opposition, as he skipped past challenges with ease, beat defenders and was fantastic with the ball.

He displayed how good he can be on the counter as well, with a fine assist for Mexico's third goal.

#1 Sergino Dest and USA are very much work in progress

Sergino Dest was beaten way too easily for the first goal

Now, this is an interesting case. Sergino Dest has an American parent, but was born in the Netherlands. Owing to his tender age, the Ajax starlet can still play for the Dutch national team.

Whether it was a way to ward off interest from the Dutch football federation or a mere tactical option, one can only guess. However, going by the fullback's performance in the game, it's safe to say that he is work in progress.

The youngster possesses a fine touch, decent balance and an aptitude to charge forward, but it's the defensive game that requires improvement. The way he was beaten by Corona for the first goal was largely unconvincing. Also to add, the 18-year-old endured a few naive moments at the back, such as leaving too much space in behind him or in terms of duels.

As discussed earlier, the rest of the defense must step up as well. For the second and third goal too, they have no one but themselves to blame. The second one in fact, was the result of a blunt error in the form of an ill-conceived pass, eventually lashed on by Gutierrez.

Edited by Prasen Moudgal