Australia faced Mexico in their third game of the Socca World Cup in Oman fighting throughout the game which ended in heartbreak as Mexico defeated Australia 3-0 ending their aspirations of progressing further. The game began with a tight tussle which didn’t stay for too long as Mexico was quick to open the scoring after Mexican player Fierros Ochoa scored from a tight angle with the shot hitting the top right corner. Early in the first half it looked likely Australia would equalize however, Nick Azzone’s shot was wasted, flying over the cross bar.
Australian player Andre Da Silva flipped over the advertising boards and was taken off the field in some pain while George Harle replaced him. Another chance came for the Aussie to equalize; however, captain Sam Young fired the shot wide. The remainder of the first half resulted in both teams applying pressure at each other with Mexico taking a 1-0 advantage into half time.
Half time saw Mexico dominate Australia when it came to total shots (6) to (3) while both teams had same shots on target (1) to (1). The second half started with Mexico hitting pinpoint passes and almost scoring a second goal however the shot went wide. Mexico created chances but couldn’t convert with the Australian defence staying consistent. In the 25th minute Mexico eventually took the lead after Gerardo Martinez Meza converted giving Mexico a 2-0 lead off the back of accurate passes and clean play.
Drama erupted as a push made by Mexican player Michel Navardo Del Rio towards Australian player Hassan Abudareb resulted in him receiving a yellow card and being sent to remain on the sidelines. Australia was awarded a free kick from just outside the penalty box which they needed to score being two goals down, however the Mexican goalkeeper was quick to react to block the shot which was taken by John Stambolieff.
Only seconds after taking the free kick Stambolieff was sent off with a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on a Mexican player. Late in the second half, Australia had a chance to convert from close range however, Elizjah Howe kicked wide. Mexico managed to convert late in the second half to make it 3-0, ending Australia’s hopes of a possible comeback. Australia had one last shot to at least score one goal but couldn’t score.
A win secured Mexico’s place in the round of 16 of the Socca World Cup while for Australia they still have a chance to leave Muscat with a win when they face Peru. Tune in live on Oz Arab Media’s Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube channels to watch the action.
