Argentina (8) v (9) Mexico

By Tim Beissmann

After a slow start, the Mexicans rallied late against their Argentine rivals to surge 9-8 into the Big Issue Host Cup Final.

The Argentines showed their classy foot skills early, with Sergio Masloski using his toe to poke through the opener in the first minute.

The Mexicans replied instantly and then took the lead after a huge strike from a back wall rebound.

The desperation of Argentina's Sergio Portillo was obvious, slide-tackling in defence and setting up his team-mates for a goal in attack.

When Mexico equalised at 3-3 in the fifth minute the contest could not have been tighter, but increased physicality from the Argentines in the midfield earned them a three goal buffer, again through Masloski, Renato Iriarte and Hugo Herrera.

A late goal to Mexico took it to 6-4 at half time, and it was clear the Mexicans had some work to do to turn it around.

From the outset they began making the most of their opportunities, a goal coming from an unfortunate Argentine slip in defence, and also lifted their work-rate across the pitch, inspired by some big saves from their keeper.

Two more goals from Masloski took his tally to four and edged out a lead for Argentina, suddenly feeling the pressure of a hard-finishing Mexican line-up.

Mexican striker Jose Antonio Trujillo Torres replied almost instantly, and with 90 seconds to go the scores read 8-8.

Neither side wanted to make a mistake and played with caution, chipping around in their defences.

But with 30 seconds remaining, Mexican hero Juan Felix Buenrostro Segura slammed through his hat-trick goal, giving his team a one goal win and a place in the final against Romania.

Photo: Photoworx