It was all smiles in Mexico after they were awarded the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics following a comfortable victory over Japan.
Jaime Lozano's men put on a near-perfect display against the hosts. From the very first minute it became abundantly clear that they wouldn't stop until they got their hands on the medal.
The first strike arrived in no time at all. Endo knocked down Vega in the box, leaving the referee with no choice but to award the penalty. Cordova stepped up to take and opened the scoring with his left.
It was Vasquez who scored the second. This time Mexico took advantage of a long-distance free-kick, as Cordova turned provider. He put in a looping cross and their number 5 headed home into the back of the net.
That's how the teams went in at the break. Japon had two big chances thanks to Kubo and co, but they lacked a clinical edge. Despite threatening a number of times, their efforts were fired time and time again straight at the great Memo Ochoa.
In the second half, Vega made it three. Once again, Cordova had a key part to play in the goal. It was he who took the corner, which was once again met with a fine header. 3-0 on the scoreline, practically game over.
Mitoma, who came on in the closing stages, scored a consolation for the hosts in the 78th minute. Ochoa came rushing out and the Japenese player finished calmly to roll the ball into the back of the net. 3-1 it finished.
Now all that remains is to see who will lift the gold, which will be decided in the grand final between Spain and Brazil on Saturday.
August 6, 2021