Mexico And Portugal On Collision Course At U-20 World Cup
Posted July 2, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
For a moment there, Gambia appeared poised to stun Mexico in both clubs’ first test at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Monday.
The Gambians played well above expectations, but ultimately the Mexicans settled in and imposed their will, putting it together in the second half and finally beating goalkeeper Joseph Gomez in the 57th minute for their first of three in a 3-0 win.
“We started badly but later on we improved. We improved in our possession of the ball and we played as planned,” Mexico coach Jesus Ramirez said. “During the first half, we suffered from nerves,” he added. “It’s a World Cup and obviously starting a World Cup, this is normal.”
Coupled with Portugal’s 2-0 win over New Zealand earlier in the day, Monday’s action at a sold out BMO Field — dubbed the National Soccer Stadium for the tournament because of sponsorship issues — set up Thursday’s showdown between the two teams. Portugal got its boost from captain Bruno Gama, who scored twice including once on a penalty, and were never really challenged despite squandering several opportunities to score even more.
In the nightcap, a spirited and physical match between Congo and Austria ended in a 1-1 draw.
