Mexico beaten by Japan in second game at the Olympics
Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan scored early goals to give the Japan national team a 2-1 victory against Mexico in matchday 2 of Group A.
After thrashing France 4-1 in their Olympic debut, the Mexico national team was full of confidence ahead of their match against Japan on Sunday for matchday 2 of Group A. The CONCACAF side wanted to book their place in the quarter-final of the men’s Olympic soccer tournament, but they were caught flat-footed in the opening minutes.
Mexico concede two penalties in two games
The Mexican defenders were not prepared for the aggressiveness of Japan at the start of the match. Takefusa Kubo rifled the ball and scored the opening goal in the sixth minute to give the host nation side the early lead. Mexico seemed confused and unable to react and in the 10th minute defender César Montes conceded a penalty that was checked by VAR and confirmed seconds after.
It was the second penalty that the Monterrey defender has given away in the campaign and Ritsu Doan was able to trick goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to give Japan a 2-0 lead after 11 minutes. Mexico tried to bounce back in the second half, but Yohan Vázquez was sent off in the 67th minute and left his team with 10 players, making it more difficult for them to stage a comeback.
Mexico thought they saw light at the end of the tunnel when Roberto Alvarado scored from a free kick in the 86th minute to make it 2-1, but it was just too late. The referee ended the match after 90 minutes and Japan now tops the group with six points and one game left. Mexico will have to play for a place in the next round in their final game against South Africa.