Mexico off to the Semifinals

 

For the first time since 1968, Mexico has made it to the semifinals of the Summer Olympics!  After defeating Senegal with a 4-2 victory, El Tri moves on to face against Japan, the team that they lost against during the '68 Olympics hosted in Mexico. 

Mexico went into this game as favorites and quickly took control of the match.  With a close call at the 3' minute mark by Marco Fabian, Mexico made Senegal aware that they were there to win.  Giovanni Dos Santos, Mexico's MVP, according to most sports publications, started a play that let Jorge Enriquez head the ball straight into Senegal's goal at the 10th minute!  Senegal attempted to score, but the first half came to a close, Mexico in the lead.

 

As the second half began, both teams turned up to high gear.  At minute 61', Mexico doubled its lead as Javier Aquino blasted the ball into the back of net.  The Senegalese fought back and were relentless.  Just seven minutes later, Moussa Konate scored one for his nation, bringing hope back to Senegal's side.  Seven minutes after Konate's goal, a corner kick was executed, where Ibrahima Balde headed the ball in, successfully equalizing the match and sending it to extra time.

The first half of the extra time was lead by the tri-colored team.  Dos Santos fired the ball into the net, giving his team a one-point lead.  The Senegalese, again, were relentless, but their efforts were in vain.  In the last half of the extra time, Senegal's player Ba headed the ball back to the goalkeeper. It seemed to have been a lazy header, as Raul Jimenez took control of the ball, passed it to Hector Herrera, who easily scored the fourth and final goal for the Mexican team.

With Mexico facing off against Japan this Tuesday, all that is left to say is Good Luck.  Mexico needs to win and take revenge from '68s Olympic games.  We shall find out how the team does!

written by Oscar Perez