Mexico into the final

Mexican men’s soccer team moved into the final of the Central American and Caribbean Games Veracruz 2014, with a 1-1 draw versus Cuba in overtime and a 7-6 victory on penalty kicks.

Cuba proposed a match based on their defensive order, and the first half ended 0-0 with barely emotions in the goals. For the second half, Mexico’s coach Raul Gutierrez made some adjustments seeking to improve their attack, something that worked because Mexico arrived more frequently to Cuba’s box, but the regulation ended 0-0.

Mexicans technique was leveled by force and dynamics of Cubans who never gave up, and in the seventh minute of the first extra time, and individual play by Yordan Santa finished with a shot outside the box that touched in Mexico’s defender and the goalkeeper Manuel Lajud could not stop.

Mexico had a golden chance to tie the match, but Jorge Espericueta missed a penalty kick commited to Mexican striker Angel Saldivar.

However, Mexico had a free kick in the 121th minute and Raul Lopez kicked to the post defended by Cuban goalie Sandy Sánchez and scored the 1-1, goal that forced the definition from the penalty spot.
In the PK’s, Mexico’s Hedgardo Marín, Carlos Salcedo, Armando Zamorano, Jorge Espericueta, Daniel Hernandez, Raul Lopez and Marco Bueno scored; while Sandy Sanchez, Emmanuel Labrada, Yordan St., Maykel Reyes, Brian Rosales and Adrian Diz scored for the Cubans, and Yolexis Collado missed the last one, for the 7-6.

The final of men’s football will be between Mexico and Venezuela, next Friday at 19:00 hours in the Luis “Pirata” de la Fuente stadium, while the bronze will be will be held at 16:00 hours in the Hugo Sanchez Sports Unit of Boca del Río, between Honduras and Cuba.
Lineups:

México.- Manuel Lajud; Gil Buron, Hedgardo Marin, Carlos Salcedo, Pedro Hernández (Daniel Hernandez 46’), Armando Zamorano, Jorge Caballero, Jorge Espericueta, Raul Lopez, Martín Zúñiga (Angel Zaldivar 46’) and Erick Torres (Marco Bueno 85’). Coach: Raul Gutiérrez.

Cuba.- Sandy Sanchez; Yolexis Collado, Jorge Clavelo, Yosel Stone, David Urgelles (Emmanuel Labrada 89’), Yorda St., Maykel Reyes, Dairon Perez (Peter Anderson 92’), Brian Rosales, Adrian Diz and Abel Martinez. Coach: Luis Seara.