Defeat Japan, Mexico Get Bronze

Saitama –

Mexico managed to win a bronze medal in the men’s football branch Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Meet the host Japan in the struggle for third place, El Tri’s squad won convincingly 3-1.

Competing at Saitama Stadium, Friday (6/8/2021), Mexico opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Starting from Wataru Endo’s violation of Ernesto Vega in the penalty box, the referee immediately pointed to the spot.

Francisco Cordova stepped up as the penalty taker, and managed to beat the Japanese goalkeeper, Kosei Tani, who guessed the wrong direction of the ball. Score 1-0 to Mexico.

Left behind by one goal, Japan tried to catch up. But in the 22nd minute, Mexico again added to the advantage. Starting from Cordova’s free kick, Johan Vasquez managed to head the ball into the right corner of the Japanese goal. The score of 2-0 lasted until the break.

In the second half, Mexico managed to increase the distance in the 58th minute. Starting from a corner kick from Cordova, Mexico managed to take advantage of Japan’s weakness in aerial duels. Ernesto Vega quickly grabbed the ball with a header. The ball again lodged in the right corner of the Japanese goal, changing the score to 3-0.

12 minutes before normal time ended, then Japan could attenuate defeat. Receiving Takefusa Kubo’s pass, Kaoru Mitoma dribbled into the penalty box, past two Mexican players, then fired a left foot shot that managed to beat veteran goalkeeper El Tri, Guillermo Ochoa.

The score 3-1 for Mexico lasted until the end. This result ensured Mexico won the bronze medal Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Meanwhile for Japan, they had to settle for finishing fourth, equaling the results at the 2012 London Olympics.

(adp/krs)

– .