FIFACWC: Mascherano admits Al Ahly had chances in first half of Inter Miami draw

Javier Mascherano: Photo Credit - Inter Miami.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has singled out Al Ahly’s first half display in their action-packed Group A 0-0 draw at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday.

In the opener where all eyes were on Lionel Messi, the Egyptian Premier League champions under Spaniard Jose Riveiro produced a better display in the first half and Miami must thank their goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, for making five superb saves to keep them level at half-time.

The saves also included a 43rd minute penalty which was missed by forward Trezeguet.

“We were much better than them, we moved a lot in transition and controlled the game and we had chances to score and win the game,” the former Argentine player told FIFA.com after the game.

“Football is like that, maybe in the first half they had some chances too. Obviously we wanted to win because we know how important it is to start with a win, but I’m happy with the platform.”

He added: “Maybe in the first half we were excited, we were nervous, we didn't move the ball from one side to the other. So we tried to translate to the players to be calm, we have to keep possession, we can find the spaces to attack better.”

Miami will return to action for their matchday two fixture against FC Porto on Thursday, June 19, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium while Al Ahly will face Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras on the same day at the MetLife Stadium.