2023 FIFA U-17 WC: Knockouts beckon for Mexico following New Zealand rout
Jakarta, Indonesia (PANA) - Following a lengthy delay to kick-off due to adverse weather, it would be Mexico who stormed into the knockout stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023 following a 4-0 win over New Zealand.
The All Whites knew they needed to win to stand a chance of qualifying, and almost hit the front early on. Luke Supyk broke through and rounded goalkeeper Paolo Bedolla, but captain Isaac Martinez got back to block his effort on the goal-line.
It was one-way traffic from then, though, according to FIFA.com.
Fidel Barajas opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when his low drive was too hot to handle for goalkeeper Matt Foord.
The North Americans would double their lead in the 47th minute, as Adrian Fernandez was played through down the right and tucked the ball home with a cool finish.
Two soon became three when Brandon Lomeli burst to the dead-ball line and teed up Stephano Carrillo for the simplest of finishes after 54 minutes. Carrillo grabbed his second from the penalty spot soon after in the 67th minute, confidently side-footing home after Foord had brought him down.
Mexico, who leapfrog Venezuela into second place in Group F on account of goals scored, will now face Mali in Surabaya on Tuesday. New Zealand, for their part, return home without a point to their name.
-0- PANA MA 18Nov2023
