Mexico’s second-half show buoys La Volpe

Mexico 3 Iran 1

La Volpe’s team were second best for most of the first-half and the sides went into half-time level at 1-1, but an improved showing in the second 45 minutes saw the Mexicans strike twice to claim a 3-1 win.

“We played an excellent game in the second-half. We were good in possession and were capable of reaching Iran’s goal plus we had a good defensive line. But we need to have that for 90 minutes and not just for 45 minutes like we did today,” said the Argentinian.

Omar Bravo gave Mexico the lead in the 28th minute after the Central Americans were forced to keep Iran at bay as they dominated in midfield through Javad Nekounam, Andranik Teymourian and Mehdi Mahdavikia.

Vahid Hashemian saw his downward header in the 11th minute well saved by Oswaldo Sanchez – who had returned to the team the day before after returning to Mexico to attend his father’s funeral – before Bravo struck from close range.

The Iranians, however, claimed a deserved equaliser eight minutes later when veteran central defender Yahya Golmohammadi fired into the roof of Sanchez’s net.

After an impressive opening 45 minutes from Branko Ivankovic’s side, the second period was little short of a letdown for the Iranians as Mexico took control. However, it was a defensive error that cost Iran.A poor clearance by Ebrahim Mirzapour put his back line under pressure 14 minutes from time and Bravo made no mistake.

Three minutes later Zinha rose unmarked in the Iran penalty area to head past Mirzapour to give Mexico an all-important win.

MEXICO: Sanchez, Salcido, Mendez, Osorio, Pineda, Marquez, Torrado (Perez 45), Pardo, Franco (Zinha 45), Borgetti (Fonseca 52), Bravo.

IRAN: Mirzapour, Golmohammadi, Rezaei, Kaabi, Nosrati (Borhani 81), Mahdavikia, Nekounam, Karimi (Madanchi 62), Teymourian, Hashemian, Daei.

Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).