Mexico beat Koreans 2-0

Sports

By ISAAC LIRI
MEXICO’S defence played a big part in their 2-0 win over South Korea 2-0 in a group D match of the Under-20 women’s soccer World Cup at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby last night.
Mexico coach Roberto Medina, naturally pleased with the result, attributed the victory to their commitment on defence.
“We stuck to our game plan and focused with a lot of effort from the players. They played with great heart,” Medina said.
“We did that (defence) to deny opportunities to the opposition from hitting the targets.”
Captain Maria Sanchez, later named the game’s best player, supported her coach, saying her side’s unyielding defence was the difference.
South Korean coach Songhon Jong said they would analyse their performance and prepare for the next game.
“We have to recover from the game, but I’m proud of the team because I know they did their best,” he said.
“Mexico are a good team.”
Mexico and South Korea failed to find the net in the first half but a determined defensive effort by the Mexicans was the key to their success in the second half. A good turn up from the South Korean community in Port Moresby added flavour to the atmosphere, but the Mexican defence remained stubborn.