Mexico in the Final Game

Mexico achieved a historical victory when they swept aside the Netherlands in their semi-final at the FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru 2005 in Chiclayo (4-0). The El “Tri” surprised European squad and completely dominated their opponents, who came into the game with a weaker-than-usual defensive line that was hit with another injury after just four minutes. In contrast, Mexico was solid as a rock at the back and were led by the unique talent of Dos Santos going forward. They can now look forward to Sunday's final against Brazil to reach the greatest glory in Mexican history.

Mexico started using counter-attacks and almost broke the dutch deadlock from one when Cesar Villaluz collected the ball following a sublime one-two and sent a lob over Tim Krul. It was a fantastic effort, but he was ultimately denied by a brilliant headed clearance on the goal-line from Erik Pieters, on for Van der Kooij (12'). The Cruz Azul striker refused to be silenced though, and his second attempt sent his team in front. Advancing down the right wing, he shook off his marker and raced towards goal with a blistering burst of acceleration before unleashing a thunderous shot that caught Krul off guard (1:0, 33'). The local crowd, largely sympathetic to the cause of the tricolores, exploded with joy and admiration. "I got the ball on the wing, accelerated and shot hard inside the near post. I'll never forget that moment or this day," declared Villaluz, as he left the changing rooms with a wide grin on his face.

The Dutch defence were clearly suffering on their left, where Villaluz advanced with impunity, and he broke clear again five minutes before half-time, only to graze the crossbar with a shot (40'). Mexico soon doubled their lead after the break, though, and in quite stunning circumstances too. Giovani Dos Santos made to take a free-kick in a dangerous position, but rushed into the area instead and, after being fed with the ball, sent a perfect cross from the left for Hector Moreno to head in (2:0, 50'). It was a goal worthy of any professional outfit.
It seemed to be a fatal blow as far as the confidence of the Dutch players was concerned, and that impression was magnified when Niels Vorthoren somehow missed an open goal after profiting from good work from Diego Biseswar (55'). The Oranje were obviously not at their best, and minutes later Krul managed to throw the ball straight to Vela. The Guadalajara striker accepted his gift with gratitude and sent back a vicious shot that just fizzed wide (59').

The third goal was not long in coming, however, and once again Dos Santos made a telling contribution. His visionary pass picked out Villaluz deep inside the area, and the forward beat Krul to notch up his second strike of the evening (3:0, 61'). That sounded the death knell for the Netherlands' hopes of making it to the final, and, as their heads dropped, Ever Guzman took advantage to hit the target one last time in the final minute (4:0, 90'). The scoreline was harsh, yet there was no mistaking the sheer superiority of the Mexicans on the day. Now they must wait and see who they are to face in the final on Sunday, but whoever it is - either Brazil or Turkey - they will have their work cut out against Jésus Ramirez's charges.