Darwin Núñez scored three goals and was the standout performer for Uruguay in the international friendly between La Celeste and Mexico at Empower Field at Mile High stadium in Denver, United States.
“La Pantera” was a nightmare for the Mexican team, as he was very active in Marcelo Bielsa’s team’s attack from the start, using his speed and ability to find spaces in the opposing area. Right from the beginning of the game, a couple of long balls to Araújo and Brian Rodríguez found the Liverpool forward running into the empty space, proving to be a constant threat.
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At the 7th minute, he scored the opening goal to make it 1-0 by connecting with a low cross from Nández and, after a half save by Rangel, he finished with precision to send the ball into the back of the net. Around the 25th minute, he headed wide a cross to the far post from Nández, and at the 44th minute, he electrifyingly reappeared, leading a quick defense-to-attack transition where he sent Maximiliano Araújo down the left and then appeared in the middle to connect with the low cross from the Toluca winger and finish for 3-0.
At the start of the second half, Núñez once again disrupted the opposition when at the 46th minute, he outpaced Víctor Guzmán, finished across the goal, and, after a deflection by Rangel, managed to clear the danger with a crucial save. A couple of minutes later, the Celeste striker was in the six-yard box to tap in the ball after a great play by Pellistri, marking the 4-0 and completing his first hat-trick for the national team.
In addition to his contribution with and without the ball in attack, Darwin was responsible for initiating every defensive action, pressing the opponent’s build-up both on the flanks and when Mexico played out from the back with their goalkeeper.
Displaying himself as an increasingly complete forward, Núñez played a great game against Mexico and heads into the Copa América as Uruguay’s main attacking threat under Bielsa, tallying 8 goals and an assist in his last five matches for the national team.
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