Photo: Masashi Hara / Getty Images
There were no surprises or scares. Mexico appeared at the Sapporo Dome as it did against France: with forceful attack. El Tri fulfilled the task of defeating South Africa (0-3) and qualified for the Tokyo quarterfinals 1200 . The Olympic illusion continues.
Although possession of the ball was shared throughout the game, what Mexico did when it had the ball was put by several steps above South Africa.
Those led by Jaime Lozano finished up to nine times during the first half: six of those shots were directed at goal, and two of them ended up inside the archery defended by Ronwen Williams.
The Chivas connection appeared at 18 ′: Uriel Antuna gave the ball to Alexis Vega , who He ordered it to be put away without any kind of contemplation.
GREAT GOAL FROM MEXICO 😎!
⚽ @ HenryMartinM plays for @ AntunaUriel , the “Warlock” awaits the arrival of @ Alexis_Vega9 who scores his second goal in the # OlimpicosTelemundo # RSA 0-1 # MEX pic.twitter.com/JQGbKkSQOw
– Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 28, 2021
Just before half-time, Luis Romo scored the reassuring goal Mexico needed to feel comfortable. The Cruz Azul player was fortunate to receive one of the rebounds from the South African defense in the goal zone.
In the definition also he enjoyed the chance: a deflection sent the ball into the net. 0-2 perfect for El Tri.
Luis Romo increases the advantage 😎!
Fortunately, but it counts the same @ Luis3Romo scores his first goal in # Tokyo 2020 Y # MEX is one passage of the quarterfinals # OlimpicosTelemundo # RSA 0-2 # MEX pic.twitter.com/ctORQCjODX
– Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 28, 2020
To the 60 ′, the match awarded Henry Martin, who scored his first goal at the Olympics. The “9” from Mexico received a pass from Carlos Rodríguez, went hand in hand and defined in a great way.
The third Mexican score came after the expulsion of South African Tercious Malepe, which occurred at 58 ′. Match and classification assured.
Prize for effort 👏!
⚽ @ HenryMartinM he had tried a thousand ways and finally in a great play he gets his longed-for first goal in the # OlimpicosTelemundo by # Tokyo 2020 # RSA 0-3 # MEX pic.twitter.com/6nOjPOiKRj
– Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 28, 2021
The only negative note of the match was had by Carlos Rodríguez, who committed an obvious foul being last man, for which he was expelled to the 65 ′. Beyond his absence in the remainder of the game, Mexico will suffer not having the Monterrey midfielder in the quarterfinals.
It lasts low for TRI!
🟥 @ CharlyRdz 29 is sent off and the quarterfinal duel will be lost. Final before # KOR # RSA 0-3 # MEX pic.twitter.com/rk0xReIURZ
– Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 28, 2021
After the expulsions, there were no major incidents in the game. Mexico classified as second in group A, with six units. Japan won the group with nine points.
In the quarter-finals , Mexico will face South Korea , set that humiliated Honduras at the closing of the group stage of Olympic football in Tokyo 2020.
MEXICO IS IN QUARTERS FINAL 🔥!
🇲🇽 # MEX thrashed # RSA to advance to the next phase as second place in group A. 💪 Will face #KOR in the next round of # Tokyo 2020
Are you convinced by the level of the TRI to fight the #gold? #OlimpicosTelemundo # football pic.twitter.com/7JqsG4NECj
– Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 28, 2020