Japan vs. Mexico: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 22, 2013

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Despite the fact that both Japan and Mexico were already eliminated from contention for the Confederations Cup title, both sides played spiritedly on Saturday.

After a few near-misses in the first half for both teams, Mexico and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez finally broke through. Two beautiful headers from the 25-year-old star gave Mexico the 2-1 victory, sending Japan home winless.

Listless and unimaginative play had plagued Mexico throughout the tournament and in the first half, but the team came out focused and determined in the second 45. ESPNFC's Tom Marshall tweeted this very observant opinion on El Tri's second-half turnaround:



Marshall also recognized the great setup from Diego Reyes and Man of the Match Andres Guardado on Chicharito's first goal. Here is the tweet and the goal:



Chicharito wasn't done, as he took a deflection from a corner kick to produce another pretty header to score his second goal.

After a late tally from Shinji Okazaki, Chicharito's second score turned out to be the game winner.



Cesare Polenghi of Goal.com plainly states the difference in this match:



 

Grades

Chicharito, Mexico: A



When his team needed him most, he was huge in the second half. Some may wonder why it took the Mexican star two-and-a-half matches to come to life, but his two goals gave El Tri something to build on as they seek a World Cup berth.

 

Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico: B



He made a very nice save to thwart a first-half attempt from Japan, but he seemed to lose focus in allowing Okazaki's second-half goal.

Overall, he has not been part of Mexico's struggles in international play.

 

Andres Guardado, Mexico: A



The 26-year-old left winger was active and instrumental in setting up Mexico's first...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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