It was the type of performance that left the home fans throwing objects at opposing players and chanting for the team’s head coach to be fired.
Despite having the home-field advantage, Mexico could not manage more than a 0-0 tie with Costa Rica on Tuesday night in a World Cup qualifying game at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
It was the fifth tie in six games in the qualifying tournament for Mexico, which is tied with Costa Rica for second place in the standings with eight points each. The United States, which beat Panama, 2-0, leads the North and Central American and Caribbean group with 10 points.
Spectators threw objects at Costa Rica captain Carlos Ruiz late in the second half. The match ended with fans calling for the firing of Mexico’s coach José Manuel de la Torre.
Costa Rica set the tone of the game early.
The Ticos, who arrived at the stadium later than expected due to Mexico City traffic, slowly built momentum throughout the first half and did enough to hold off Mexico in the second half.
In the fourth minute, Joel Cambell had the first golden opportunity of the match when he raced past Mexico defender Maza Rodriguez and beat goalkeeper Jose Corona only to hit the far post.
Later in the half, Corona was forced to make a diving save off a Cambell attempt from inside box in the 37th minute followed by Ruiz firing a long shot right over the crossbar in the 41st.
Costa Rica had the best opportunity to break the deadlock off a long free kick that left Corona out of position and the ball sail just wide of the post.
Mexico pushed for a final goal and nearly got it when defender Gerardo Flores redirected a free kick to the far post but Chicharito was unable to get a piece of the ball as it sailed out of bounds.
It was not the ending either side would have liked.
