12 Jul 2015

Spain see off Mexico for knockout hope

A defensive gem from both teams left the fans cheering but it was Spain who earned the victory

Spain picked up their first victory of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015, in a tight 3-1 win over Mexico in Espinho. Ramon Maldonado scored his and El Tri's second goal of the finals, just 13 seconds into the tie, but Spain fought back with a goal in each period. Llorenc in the first, Nico in the second and Antonio in the third gave Spain hope of a place in the quarter-finals.

Maldonado gave Mexican fans something to cheer for the second time in Portugal, converting an early penalty following a Dona foul. However, Spain allayed their early nerves as Llorenc converted a free-kick to level matters at the first break.

Into the second period, and a piece of individual brilliance from Spanish skipper Nico put his side ahead in a game of few chances. It remained that way until the closing moments when another penalty, this time converted by Antonio, made sure of the three points for the Europeans. Spain move on to three points, giving them hope of progressing to the knockout stages after their shock opening defeat to Iran.

Mexico remain in the competition, but only just, with their conquerors in the first match Brazil and Iran facing off later today.

(Source: FIFA.com)