Mexico, Who Saddened Kim Hak-beom's Team, Defeated Japan 3-1... Wins Bronze Medal

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Mexico, which crushed our national soccer team in the quarterfinals, defeated host country Japan at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to claim the bronze medal.

On the 6th, Mexico defeated Japan 3-1 in the men's soccer bronze medal match held at Saitama Stadium in Japan.

Mexico, which won the gold medal at the 2012 London Games, was denied a spot in the final after losing to Brazil in a penalty shootout in the semifinals of this tournament, but secured the bronze medal for the first time in nine years.

It has been a full 53 years since Japan and Mexico last met in the Olympic bronze medal match, which was at the 1968 Mexico City Games.

At that time, Mexico lost 0-2 to Japan on home soil and missed out on a medal, but on this day, with the roles reversed, Mexico avenged the loss with a two-goal margin victory.

Meanwhile, Japan, aiming for their second men's soccer medal in 53 years, finished the tournament in fourth place. Nine years ago at the London Games, Japan lost 0-2 to Korea in the bronze medal match and failed to win a medal.

Mexico took the lead just 13 minutes into the first half with a penalty kick goal by Francisco Cordova. Taking the lead, Mexico extended their advantage nine minutes later with an additional goal by Johan Vasquez. In the 13th minute of the second half, Vega scored with a powerful header from Cordova's corner kick, making it 3-0 and effectively securing the victory.

Japan managed to score a consolation goal in the 33rd minute of the second half through Kaoru Mitoma.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.