Mexico Colombia: the bizarre goal behind El Tri's only win
Mexico Colombia history shows El Tri's only win in the past 23 years came on September 7, 2010, when Elías Hernández scored a late rebound goal for a 1-0 friendly victory in Monterrey. That odd finish still stands alone in a stretch of seven losses and three draws, as Rafa Márquez now debuts as Mexico coach against Colombia in Baltimore.
Key Takeaways
- Mexico's sole win over Colombia in 23 years was a 1-0 friendly on September 7, 2010, at Estadio Universitario.
- Elías Hernández finished a minute-88 rebound after Enrique "Paleta" Esqueda's free kick was saved by David Ospina.
- Rafa Márquez and Andrés Guardado started that night; they now return as Mexico's coach and assistant for Saturday's Baltimore friendly.
- El Tri called 30 players under Márquez, with Alan Cervantes and César Montes ruled out; Colombia is missing Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez.
What was the bizarre Mexico Colombia goal in 2010?
According to TUDN, Mexico earned a free kick in the 88th minute. Enrique Esqueda took the set piece; Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina made the save, but Elías Hernández pounced on the rebound to seal a 1-0 win.
Efraín Flores coached Mexico that night. Hernán Darío Gómez led Colombia. The Mexican XI included Guillermo Ochoa, Efraín Juárez, Leobardo López, Rafa Márquez, Héctor Moreno, Carlos Salcido, Antonio Ríos, Pablo Barrera, Andrés Guardado, Giovani dos Santos, and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández.
Why does that lone win still matter ahead of Baltimore?
TUDN notes Mexico's recent record versus Colombia is bleak: one win, seven losses, and three draws across 23 years. Recent friendlies include a 0-4 loss in October 2025 and a 2-3 defeat in December 2023. The sides meet again Saturday, September 26, in Baltimore for Márquez's first match in charge.
ESPN Deportes reports the kickoff for the Colombia side at 8:00 p.m. local Colombia time. The fixture also opens Néstor Lorenzo's new post-World Cup cycle for the Cafeteros.
How is Rafa Márquez preparing for his coaching debut?
After Javier Aguirre's exit following the 2026 World Cup, Mexico named Márquez head coach. He had served as an assistant during the tournament and earlier from 2024. Telemundo reports he aims to continue the project Aguirre built.
ESPN Deportes says Márquez selected 30 players: three goalkeepers, nine defenders, ten midfielders, and eight forwards, including prospect Gilberto Mora. Alan Cervantes withdrew without a like-for-like replacement; Violante joined camp early. César Montes left with a gluteus medius injury and was replaced by América's Dagoberto Espinoza.
Colombia faces the match without Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez. Díaz was given rest after a heavy season; Rodríguez has retired from the national team, per ESPN Deportes.
What should fans watch when Mexico Colombia meet again?
The storyline is history meeting a new era. Márquez and Guardado lived the last Mexico win over Colombia as starters; now they try to end a drought from the dugout. For more high-performance and career-longevity coverage beyond the pitch, see our Longevity & Biohacking hub.
Saturday's friendly will not rewrite 23 years of results on its own. It will show whether Márquez's first XI can break a pattern that has left El Tri searching for another Mexico Colombia win since that rebound in Monterrey.