Share

Mexico into Olympic soccer final

Wembley - Oribe Peralta scored with a swerving long-range strike to help Mexico to a 3-1 victory over Japan on Tuesday and secure a spot in the final of the men's Olympic soccer competition.

Mexico will now play either Brazil or South Korea in Saturday's final.

Mexico's previous best showing at the Olympics was in their 1968 home games, when they were beaten 2-0 by Japan in the bronze medal match.

Japan, who had yet to improve on their 1968 performance, opened the scoring with a good strike from Yuki Otsu on 12 minutes, but Marco Fabian headed in a corner for Mexico before half-time to equalise.

On 65 minutes, Peralta won the ball off Japanese defender Takahiro Ohgihara, who lingered with it too long after 'keeper Shuichi Gonda had rolled it to him. Peralta ran with the ball briefly then shot high and to the left of Gonda to give Mexico the lead.

Deep in added time, Cortez cut into the box from the left wing, beat a defender then sent the ball through the legs of Gonda to cap the victory.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE