Mexico breaks Vanuatu hearts

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 as history looked to be beckoning but, in the 94th minute, Alvarez found time and space to fire home from six yards to end all hope of Vanuatu picking up a point in their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup match.

Considering that Mexico is a very experienced in World Cup appearances, Vanuatu performance was on par with expectations and as representative from Oceania. A win for Vanuatu or draw would most certainly be the biggest upset at day one of the U20 World Cup.

There is certainly room for optimism for Vanuatu once the game has been reviewed in preparation towards the second match against Venezuela on Tuesday 7pm Vanuatu time.

There are certainly positives to consider towards the second game.

On reflections, Vanuatu should have won, however these are young players who have made Vanuatu proud by taking on a world class team would certainly keep people talking long after the end of the match.

From a tactical perspective Vanuatu was able to answer Mexico with Vanuatu enjoying more even ball possession in the second half compared to the first half.

The Vanuatu Football Federation and the Under 20 team have regretted not to have won today, but for now the Vanuatu Team can walk, knowing fully well, that they are a team with character and flair to be respected at the highest level.

The next matches match is crucial for Vanuatu, if it has aspires for a place in the next stage of the tournament.

Mexico will now face Germany, who after the loss to Venezuela, is facing a must win game.

Vanuatu (first 11) line up in the match against Mexico: Daniel Alick, Selwyn Vatu, Lecy Philip, Jason Thomas, Bethuel Ollie, Ronaldo Wilkins, Bong Kalo(c), Godine Tenene, Gregory Patrick, Well Wohale. (Subs, A. Soromon, Ravo, Jonathan Spokey.