Mexico is guaranteed its first ever medal for Olympic soccer, having beaten Japan 3-1 on Tuesday to reach the final of the London 2012 men’s competition.
A header from local-born Chivas de Guadalajara star Marco Fabian, a stunning strike from Santos Laguna striker Oribe Peralta and a last-minute goal from substitute Javier Cortes saw “El Tri” come from behind to seal a place in the final.
The only team to score against Japan in the tournament, Mexico has now racked up ten goals while conceding just three times.
After the game, President Felipe Calderon called Mexican coach Fernando Tena to congratulate him. Tena, in response, congratulated “all the young people with a winning mentality in Mexico.”
With a gold or silver medal in the bag, Mexico will face favorites Brazil – who beat South Korea 3-0 in Tuesday’s other semi-final – in a mouthwatering showdown at London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday, August 11, 9 a.m.
Mexico has overcome its inferiority complex against Brazil in recent years, having trounced the South Americans 3-0 in the 2005 Under-17 World Cup final, as well as winning 2-0 in their most recent encounter in June.
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