Tokyo, Aug. 6, (dpa/GNA) – Mexico claimed the bronze medal in men’s football at the Tokyo Games with a Sebastian Cordova inspired 3-1 hammering of hosts Japan on Friday.
Cordova opened the scoring with a 13th minute penalty, after video review determined Wataru Endo had handled inside the box, and he set up two further goals from set pieces.
His free kick was headed in by defender Johan Vasquez heads in the 22nd and Alexis Vega met a corner just before the hour mark to power home a third.
Japan left it way to late to rally and despite Kaoru Mitoma’s solo goal with 12 minutes remaining were not capable of winning a first men’s Olympic football medal since their 1968 bronze – earned by beating Mexico when they were hosts.
The Mexicans thoroughly deserved their revenge and second medal in the event after gold in 2012.
Brazil, winners in 2016, take on Spain for gold on Saturday while later Friday women’s gold is decided between Sweden and Canada. The US took women’s bronze Thursday with a 4-3 win over Australia.
GNA