Mexico falls against Japan in Tokyo Olympics
After surprising many and defeating France in the opening match of their first group stage game, Mexico looked to take full possession of 1st place in the group as they faced the host nation Japan in their second match.
Japan took a very early lead that shocked the Mexican team as they scored in the 6th minute as Ritsu Doan send a cross from the right side into the box and a sliding Takefusa Kubo beats Jorge Sánchez to and gets the ball past a diving Guillermo Ochoa to give the host nation the 1-0 lead.
A shock to El Tri color squad who would try to shake it off and regroup early in the match but not more than five minutes passed before Mexico committed a mistake inside their defending box.
Japanese midfielder Yuki Soma entered the box and sent a cross looking for one of his teammates, but after he sent the cross a sliding César Montes steps on his ankle bringing down the Japanese player inside the box. After a VAR review, the referee deemed the play a penalty in favor of the host nation that gave them the 2-0 lead within the first 10 minutes of the match.
El Tri’s only real dangerous play in the first half came about in the 17th minute as Henry Martin received the ball inside the attacking box with his back towards the goal, Martin turned and kicked the ball but straight to the goalkeepers hand.
In the 2nd half the Japanese team continued applying the pressure, and if it wasn’t for a pair of Ochoa saves, the lead could have been extended.
In the 68th minute Mexico went down a man after Johan Vásquez was awarded a red card after fouling a Japanese forward just outside the 18 yard box. Luckily for Mexico, the play did not end up in a goal.
It was not until the 85th minute that Mexico was able to get a goal, as Roberto “El Piojo” Alvarado sent a cross in off a free kick that passed through all players in the box and also the goalie straight into the net to cut the lead to 2-1.
After 90, Japan took the 2-1 victory over Mexico to take the 1st position in the group with 6 points and Mexico is now in 2nd place tied with France with 3 points but only ahead by goal differential.
Mexico now changes their focus to their next opponent South Africa as they play on Wednesday at 7:30 am ET.
