Tokyo 2020: Mexico beat Japan to win bronze medal

A dominant first quarter of the match secured Mexico the bronze medal, goals from Sebastian Cordova and Johan Vasquez putting them in a near-unassailable position before a tremendous second-half header from Alexis Vega sealed the deal.

The hosts will be disappointed with how they started, but ultimately were undone by a better team playing better.

From the off, Mexico were all over Japan, their pressing and passing pinning their opponents back. And, on 11 minutes, Wataru Endo fouled Alexis Vega thinking he was just outside the box, but Vega’s clever movement meant he was on the line when contact came.

The ref pointed to the spot and Cordova converted the penalty with nonchalant ease. Then, on 22 minutes, Cordova’s terrific free-kick picked out Vasquez, who stooped to administer a fine header, and at 2-0 the game looked as good as over.

Mexico could have scored a few more immediately after the break but could only add one more as Japan battled hard to get back into the game.

And eventually they did, Kaoru Mitoma coming off the bench and making a strong impression, capped by a beautiful goal on 78 minutes. But it was too little, too late, and though Japan created enough chances to force extra time, their finishing needed to be perfect and was not, allowing Mexico take their well-deserved place on the podium.