Mexico Yawns Past Japan
June 16, 2005
When Jose Fonseca climbed up to head in a cross and give his side a 2-1 lead over Japan, the breath of relief from the Mexican bench was almost audible.
After playing a back-and-forth game for most of the first half and failing to solve the smaller Japanese defense, Fonseca's score off of a Gonzalo Pineda pass in the 64th minute sent Mexico off to a first match victory.
Up until that point, Mexico had few opportunities after evening the score late in the first half. Though controlling the match at the beginning, La Volpe's side had a tough time breaking through the Japanese defense.
Counter brings relief
The small crowd of 21,000 in Hanover's stadium had something to cheer about early on as Japan responded quickly on a counter. Akira Kaji got free down the right side of the field and passed in to a streaking Atsushi Yanagisawa. The midfielder was marked by Mexico's Ricardo Osorio, who actually deflected the ball into his own net after it skipped through Yanagisawa's legs.
The 1-0 lead was a surprise, but not without credit to the resilient Japanese side. Mexico responded by not really responding at all. The midfield continued having a tough time breaking down the defense, preferring to build up their attack slowly, rather than unsettling the Japanese defenders with quick passes.
Mexico roars back
Mexican striker Jared Borgetti had a golden opportunity robbed by some good goalkeeping when his close range header was blocked off by Japan's small, but nimble goalie Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi.
Kawaguchi looked his size, though, on the goal that evened it up. Midfielder Zinha sprung free on the left side of the penalty box and bent a nice shot into the upper right hand corner of the net that a diving Kawaguchi was helpless to defend.
Slow to start in the second half, Mexico finally found the key to the Japanese defense that until then would not unlock. The size difference between Fonseca and his markers attracted the attention of Pineda, who lofted a nice cross to him in the center, which the midfielder had no problem putting away.
Japan's desperation attempts in the final phase of the game were easily shut down by Mexico, which had finally found its footing. But they won't get the time to do the same when they face Brazil on Sunday.