Los Niños Heroes reach the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup Final
Mexico and the Netherlands faced each other in the first 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup semifinal that turned out to be an intense game that saw the North Americans qualify for the final.
The young El Tri squad had an early chance for a goal at minute five on a header off a free-kick by Eugenio Pizzuto that went over the Dutch goalkeeper’s goal. Throughout the 12 minutes of the match, the Mexican team showed more poise and ball possession, making their European rivals a little nervous.
A little later, the Netherlands began to get a rhythm and started to attack the Mexican team. The Dutch squad managed to get a shot on target, and they also had a goal waved off. Despite the intensity, the teams went to lockers with a scoreless tie.
Sparks flew when the Netherlands got the first goal at minute 74 by Youri Regeer. The Dutch pressured the Mexican defenders with high percentage passes and shots on goal that allowed them to take advantage and go on full attack.
Minutes after the first goal, Mexico made their last substitution with Efrain Alvarez coming into the game. Alvarez would answer the call, as Mexico tied the game at minute 79 via excellent free-kick from the LA Galaxy playmaker and thus making the last part of the game a nail-biting one.
Neither team would be able to get the victory goal at the end of regulation, and the game went straight to penalties. After Alvarez’s failed panenka, it appeared as though Mexico would go on to lose the match; however, goalkeeper Eduardo Garcia saved the day by stopping three penalty attempts.
Los Niños Heroes come through and earn a trip to the final for the fourth time in hopes of obtaining the third star this upcoming Sunday when they face Brazil.
