Mexico break Vanuatu hearts in Daejeon

FIFA U-20 World Cup debutants Vanuatu suffered heartbreak against Mexico, losing 3-2 in the final minute courtesy of Edson Alvarez’s goal, following a valiant comeback.

Mexico looked to be absolutely cruising in the opening exchanges. Two moments to forget for Daniel Alick in the Vanuatu goal handed the Central Americans total control as he spilled Kevin Magana’s effort, before gifting the ball to Ronaldo Cisneros to score. It could easily have been more as El Tri’s dominance continued right up to the break.

So much so that, when Bong Kalo coolly slotted past Abraham Romero to halve the deficit, the goal had the air of a consolation strike for the new boys. Even more so when Uriel Antuna rattled the crossbar moments later.

But just ten more minutes elapsed before it was a Ronaldo in yellow, rather than green, that was wheeling away in celebration as Ronaldo Wilkins slotted home after finding a gap to fire past three defenders. Pandemonium ensued on the islanders’ bench.

A Mexican onslaught came back at the Oceania outfit and history looked to be beckoning but, in the 94th minute, Alvarez found time and space to fire home from six yards.
Source: OFC/ FIFA