England toppled by Mexico
Saturday, 17 July, 2010
Girls suffer narrow and unfortunate defeat at hands of Mexico.
Stefan Pape
FIFA Women's U20 World Cup
Augsburg, Germany
England face an uphill struggle to progress into the quarter finals of the Women’s U20 World Cup, following a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Mexico.
Renae Cuellar grabbed the only goal of the game in Augsburg, defeating a spirited England team that certainly didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
England began the game well, as Toni Duggan had two chances to take the lead within the first six minutes, testing the 15-year-old Cecilia Santiago in the Mexico goal.
England continued to dominate proceedings, passing the ball around effectively at a fast pace, whilst captain Michelle Hinnigan came close with an audacious attempt from outside of the box.
Mexico grew into the game however, with Charlyn Corral impressing in the middle of the park, although it was Cuellar who came closest for the Mexicans in the first half, firing low at Rebecca Spencer in the England goal.
The second half was much like the first, as England dominated possession but failed to impress in the final third.
Mexico, widely regarded as the underdogs going into this fixture, capitalised on England’s failure to score a goal, when Corral played a magnificent pass into the middle of the penalty area, picking out an unmarked Cuellar who took one touch before firing past Spencer to give her side the lead.
Mo Marley’s side desperately tried to grab an equaliser, but couldn’t find a way past the impressive Santiago, who made a number of saves to keep England at bay.
The young ‘keeper made one outstanding save late on to deny Jade Moore, as the midfielder, unmarked just two yards away from goal, saw her powerful attempt remarkably tipped over the bar by Santiago, a save worthy of ensuring her side three points.
England, who drew their first game 1-1 with Nigeria last Wednesday, must now win their final game in Group C against Japan this coming Wednesday, in order to stand any chance of progressing into the next round.