TOKYO, Japan – Mexico kicked off their 2020 Tokyo Olympics campaign with a bang by posting a 4-1 victory over France in Group A on Thursday at the Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo.
After a quiet first half between the two sides, Mexico’s attack came to life in the second stanza, beginning with the opening score from 2020 Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship Golden Ball winner Alexis Vega, who thumped in a header off a cross from Diego Lainez in the 47’ to make it 1-0.
Mexico had all the momentum and in short order it was 2-0 in the 55’ after Carlos Rodriguez lofted a pass into Sebastian Cordova and the 2020 CMOQ Golden Boot winner finished with aplomb.
France were not about to go quietly, though, and a familiar face brought Les Bleus back to within a goal at 2-1 in the 69’. After Randal Kolo Muani was fouled in the Mexico area, Tigres FW Andre-Pierre Gignac stepped up and coolly converted the spot kick against Mexico GK Guillermo Ochoa to make it a one-goal affair.
But in the end, Mexico would withstand France’s attempt at a comeback and sealed the three points with a pair of late goals.
Uriel Antuna stretched the lead to 3-1 in the 80’ with a fantastic left-footed finish that banked in off the far post, followed by Erick Aguirre pouncing on a French defensive mistake and scoring in the 90+1’ to complete the 4-1 scoreline.
Mexico return to action on Sunday against host nation Japan.
