2017 FIFA Confederations Cup: Desperate Mexico Edges Past New Zealand

Jan 6, 2019 at 3:51 AM

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2017 FIFA Confederations Cup: Desperate Mexico Edges Past New Zealand

From being behind in the first half, desperate Mexico clinched a crucial 2-1 victory against New Zealand in the Group A encounter of 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

New Zealand was leading by 1-0 in the first half after Chris Wood scored the goal just before the half-time. But Mexico made a solid comeback in the second half as they secured the important three points with the goals from Raul Jimenez and Oribe Peralta once each.

Mexican forward Javier Hernandez was benched during the whole match. Juan Carlos Osorio (head coach of Mexico) sorted a 3-4-3 starting formation for El Tri.

On the other hand, New Zealand started with the 5-3-2 formation along with two changes in their starting XI from their last game. Dane Ingham and Clayton Lewis were newly selected in the starting XI.

New Zealand were looking good in the first half as they were continuously pressurising in the Mexican half. In the meantime, Mexico was not looking comfortable in that half.

After New Zealand showed some good football on the pitch, they earned their deserving lead in the 42nd minutes with an easy finish from Chris Wood.

After that, New Zealand had some good chances in the quick succession to extend their lead. But, Wood’s poor efforts disheartened those.

Mexico was looking very bright in the second half as New Zealand went on the back-foot with the times goes on.

Jimenez struck the equaliser goal on 54 minutes with a superb effort. Later, Peralta netted the winning goal for Mexico on 72 minutes with a superb assist from Aquino.

After that, New Zealand tried very much to score the comeback goal but failed on their approach. Meanwhile, Mexico was also putting effort to extend their lead but they also flopped on those.

With this result, Mexico went to top of the Group A table while New Zealand’s hope ended in qualifying for the semifinals of the tournament.

Key Moments of the match

14 min. – Dos Santos header found off target: Aquino led an excellent cross for Dos Santos whose header went off the target after a slight deflection from the fellow player’s (Oribe Peralta) body.

 

27 min. – Wood’s shot was brilliantly saved by Talavera: It was a great chance for New Zealand to open the scoreline. Wood had just to beat the Mexican goalkeeper (Alfredo Talavera) in 18-yard distance to score the goal. The New Zealand striker’s low shot was brilliantly saved by Talavera to deny New Zealand’s lead.

 

42 min. – GOAL! (Chris Wood) Mexico 0-1 New Zealand: After some good showpieces in the earlier minutes, New Zealand finally broke the deadlock. Clayton Lewis won a ball after a wrong pass from Mexican defender Nester Araujo, which helped Lewis to put a delightful pass for Wood who had just to beat the goalie again. This time Wood became successful as his shot finally found the net.

 

49 min. – Marinovic made a good save: Aquino made a strong bottom shot from the left side inside the box which was just blocked by the New Zealand shot-stopper Stefan Marinovic with his left hand.

 

54 min. – GOAL! (Raul Jimenez) Mexico 1-1 New Zealand: It was the result of a great team work. After a great run in the left side, Aquino made a good pass for Fabian who turned and put a small pass for Jimenez. Jimenez sent that into the net with a powerful shot.

 

72 min. – GOAL! (Oribe Peralta) Mexico 2-1 New Zealand: Aquino showed another great presence of mind this time. The Mexican winger made a stretching run in the left flank to raising for a support. After Peralta reached in good position inside the box, Aquino cut back the ball for the Mexican forward whose shot hit inside the post and then touched the net.

 

85 min. – Woodwork of Ryan Thomas shot: It could be a gorgeous equaliser goal for New Zealand. Mexican footballer Jimenez failed to pick a pass which allowed Boxall to produce a pass for Thomas whose shot was unluckily hit the top of the post.

 

89 min. – Smith cleared off the line: Mexico was very close to their third goal of the match. Once again Aquino created a great chance and this time for Jimenez whose shot was just need to cross the line. But Smith superbly cleared that off the line to deny the Mexican extension.

 

Squads

Mexico (Starting formation 3-4-3): Alfredo Talavera – Nester Araujo, Oswaldo Alanis (Hector Herrera; 45 min.), Carlos Salcedo (Hector Moreno; 33 min. and Rafael Marquez; 68 min.) – Diego Reyes, Marco Fabian, Giovani Dos Santos, Javier Aquino – Raul Jimenez, Jurgen Damm, Oribe Peralta.

 

New Zealand (Starting formation 5-3-2): Stefan Marinovic – Andrew Durante, Tommy Smith, Michael Boxall, Deklan Wynne, Dane Ingham (Monty Patterson; 82 mins.) – Michael McGlinchey, Clayton Lewis (Bill Tuiloma; 58 min.), Ryan Thomas – Chris Wood, Marcos Rojas (Kosta Barbarouses; 73 min.)

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