Mexico Men's Football Team Wins Bronze After Beating Japan 3-1

JAKARTA - Mexico took home a bronze medal in the men's soccer event at the Tokyo Olympics. The Sombrero team silenced the home side, Japan with a convincing 3-1 score at Saitama Stadium on Friday.

Launching Antara, Mexico opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Starting from Wataru Endo's violation of Ernesto Vega in the forbidden box, the referee awarded a penalty.

Francisco Cordova stepped up as the penalty taker, and managed to trick the Japanese goalkeeper, Kosei Tani. Score 1-0 to Mexico.

Left behind by one goal, Japan tried to catch up. However, in the 22nd minute, Mexico again added to the advantage through Johan Vasquez's header after taking advantage of Cordova's free kick. The score of 2-0 lasted until the break.

After halftime, Mexico managed to increase the advantage in the 58th minute. Mexico is able to take advantage of their advantages in aerial duels.

Starting from a Cordova corner, Ernesto Vega quickly grabbed the ball with a header into the right corner of the Japan goal which Tani couldn't stop. Mexico has a three-goal lead without reply.

Twelve minutes before the game was over, Japan could just break into Mexico's goal. Kaoru Mitoma dribbled into the box, past two players before unleashing a left-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Score 3-1 for Mexico lasted until the long whistle sounded. This result ensured Mexico won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Meanwhile, the home team had to settle for a fourth place finish, matching their achievement at the 2012 London Olympics.