Mexico-Belgium pack over 50,000 into Soldier Field, play to 1-1 draw on the lakefront

Former Chicago Fire midfielder Brian Gutiérrez was at the heart of Mexico’s attack throughout their 1-1 draw against Belgium on the lakefront

Soccer experts have long asked whether clubs can perform on a cold, rainy night at Soldier Field on the shores of Lake Michigan and it was clear that Mexico and Belgium were ready for that challenge on Tuesday night in Chicago. 

Goals from Mexico’s Jorge Sánchez in the 19th minute and Belgium’s Dodi Lukébakio less than a minute into the second half nullified each other, sending both national teams back home from the penultimate international window before this summer’s FIFA Men’s World Cup with a draw after 90 minutes in less-than-stellar conditions. 

This match was the final contest before each national team selects their World Cup squad, adding pressure to both sides to perform well. 

Mexico took the lead in the 19th minute and former Chicago Fire FC Homegrown midfielder was at the center of the proceedings. Gutiérrez, who is in the midst of his first full year with Chivas de Guadalajara in Mexico’s LIGA MX after being transferred from the Chicago Fire this winter, whipped a cross into Belgium’s penalty area that created chaos before a sprawling Jorge Sánchez got enough of a touch to knock the ball past Matz Sels to give his side the early 1-0 lead. 

Gutiérrez got his second consecutive start in this window for Javier Aguirre’s Mexico side and the Chicagoland native received a strong round of applause from the when he was taken out of the match in the 84th minute. Gutiérrez nearly scored from a tight angle in the second minute and was one of the best players on the pitch throughout the game. 

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Gutiérrez spoke to reporters after the match in the mixed zone and noted the need to contain his emotions ahead of starting for Mexico at the stadium he called home for so many years with the Chicago Fire. 

Belgium made sure to tie the match 46 seconds into the second half and it came from a stunning finish off the left foot of Dodi Lukébakio. Lukébakio was played a simple pass by Belgium captain Youri Tielemans and the Benfica winger made it look easy as he scored a gorgeous goal with his left foot from 18 yards to tie things up at one for good. 

Former Chicago Fire transfer target and current Napoli attacker Kevin De Bruyne started and played 75 minutes for Belgium before being replaced late by Club Brugge’s Joaquin Seys.