An Unbeaten Mexico & A Fierce English Challenge
Mexico had never lost a World Cup game at their fortress called the Estadio Azteca in 10 matches. They had won 8 and drawn 2. But all that was about to change as England arrived in Mexico City to challenge history.
Mexico Were On A Roll…
The co-hosts had won all their matches with ease without conceding a single goal. They were on a roll, and the palpable feeling was that England could well be next.
But England Were Ready To Take on the Favourites
England, however, with better players and a better pedigree than the ones Mexico had beaten, were confident of giving El Tri a tough test. The challenge was a fair degree higher for Mexico, and though they were favourites to win, England, too, had a fair chance.
Jude Bellingham Scores A Sensational Brace…
Jude Bellingham played the game of his life netting twice in 3 minutes to rattle the Mexicans in the first half. A perfect header to a brilliant cross from Bukayo Saka and then a tremendous finish from the box to a fine Harry Kane assist.
… But Julian Quinones Responds in Kind
The Estadio Azteca was stunned to the core. A reply was required, and none other than Julian Quinones was there for the Mexicans to respond, and so he did in style with a composed finish in the 42nd minute. The stadium was up in a raucous applause. The Mexicans were back in the game.
10-Man England Go 3-1 Up As Kane Buries A Penalty…
There was more drama to follow in the second half as England were reduced to 10-men with Jarell Quansah sent off in the 54th minute. El Tri had a great chance to drive home the advantage with a reduced England, but instead conceded a penalty which Harry Kane converted with ease in the 60th minute. It was 3-1, and England were running away with it.
… But He Concedes One Too As Jimenez Scores
Harry Kane, however, conceded a penalty in the 69th minute, with Raul Jimenez making no mistake to bridge the gap. There was still a lot of time left for Mexico to turn the tables on England. But the Three Lions fought magnificently with 10 men and put up an absolutely stoic resistance to deny Mexico. Pickford, in goal, was brilliant too and came up with some timely saves.
A Brave England Fight Hard And Prevail…
England prevailed in an incredible fashion to defy the odds and send Mexico out of the World Cup. The walls of the Estadio Azteca had been breached for good. The Mexican hearts were broken as England rejoiced with a very famous victory.
… To Face Norway Next
The Three Lions will lock horns with the Vikings from Norway in a much-anticipated all-European Quarter-Finals on Sunday, July 12, at 2.30 am IST in Miami.
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