Gambia and Mexico put on a great display of football in what was, in my opinion, the best game of the FIFA under-20 World Cup so far. Although started the game more strongly than their African opponents it did not take long for Gambia to find their feet.
If it wasn’t for Mexico’s keeper Blanco, Gambia might have led at half time. Blanco pulled off two terrific saves to make sure that when half time arrived the game would still be scoreless.
Gambia started the second half as they had finished the first and when Mexico took the lead it was against the run of play. As a loose ball bounced on the left edge of the Gambian penalty box Giovanni Dos Santos pivoted a cracked a left shot past keeper Joe Gomez and into the roof of the net. A great and unexpected strike from Dos Santos, who had been up to that point in the game, restricted to a single shot.
Still Gambia pushed forward as the team teams traded attacks but after Mexico scored a second goal with a little over twenty minutes left there was no way back for the Gambians. The second goal was scored by defender Moreno but only after the first three Mexican attempts had hit the post, been cleared off the line and parried by the goalkeeper.
Although Gambia continued to push forward it was with less conviction. And given the critical importance of goal difference in deciding the best third place finishers it may turn out to be the most pragmatic course of action.
As the Gambian legs grew tired Mexico scored a third to put them top of the group. Javier Hernandez had come into the game as a late substitute and after running across the Gambian defence he was able to roll the ball into an empty net.
Here’s hoping that the third goal does not come back to haunt Gambia. The tournament could do with their spirit and commitment to attacking football in the knock out rounds.
Stand outs for Mexico were Dos Santos (based on his goal alone) and Villaluz. Gambia got great performances from defender Pierre Gomez, Bojang and Jallow.
You can send any information (fsr@mts.net) that you think might be of interest about the twenty-four countries and I will post a regular selection. If you have a FIFA Under-20 blog go ahead and post your link under comments.
Best game of the tournament? can't agree... SPAN v. URUGUAY was the best. but this wasnt far off. It would have been better if gambia scored at least 1 goal for their effort. when they failed to convert in the first half on all those chances, I knew they would lose the game.
One thing to notice is that, I would rather face a known african team, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, etc... instead of facing unknown, yet very technical like Gambia.
i thoroughly enjoyed this mexico-gambia match, unabashed quality football from 2 commited teams. scoreline flattered mexico, as gambia passed and moved really well and had some blistering shots and deserved a draw or loss by one, but mexican keeper was fabulous (another great mexican keeper for the future?, they just keep producing them it seems...) and gambia, as too often with africn sides seemed to lose their drive and confidence after going down a goal. still, loved both teams and hope both progress to the 2nd round based on this. in fact al 3 african teams so far have impressed!
final word: dos santos' goal, a marvel!
BRAZIL
Favorite, Brazil, in hot water. Even the prayers of 15 million people may not be enough for the team. Best regard!
MEXICO
High flying Mexico may be 1 of the only two teams to finish w/ maximum points(9) from group stages.
What a great beginning & the job get less harder by avoiding heavy weights.
Keep it up Amigos -excellento.
USA, chant, USA, USA.
Beating Brazil 2-1 confirms that we've a team that'd make it to the final 4, very possible finalist, and then anything can happen. Kudos to the entire team and coaching staffs.
ADU proved skeptics wrong and very wrong. His exceptional passing ability, wonderful dribling skills, tactical awarness, and cylinical finishing are more than enough to see him playing in any level of soccer in the world. Certainly, there's always room for improvement especially @ the age of 18. A very strong contender for the best player in the current U-20 World Cup in Canada.
GAMBIA
For the unpredictable 'Baby Scorpions', GAMBIA, a draw w/ Protugal will see them smiling to the next stage. Hopefully, they'll get better & better as the tournament progress, cuz they got a good team with very good individual prospects. Happie Similing Coast.
CANADA
Oh boy! I hope it'll be like a story w/ a sad beginning, but a happy ending for Canada on Sunday against Congo. Does need a lot of LUCK as their fate does not entirly rest upon them.
Last edited by hansen152003 on July 6th at 9:56 PM.
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
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