Ireland v Mexico
Ireland (2) v Mexico (3)
Both teams tried to start this tense and explosive pitch 2 fixture in white kits, but there the empathy ended as bad blood simmered to the final whistle. Mexico may have walked off worthy winners but their superior skills were almost matched by the desire and fight of a determined Irish team.
Early controversy marked the game as Mexico had a goal disallowed only to be awarded a penalty - which they then missed. The first goal then took a while to come but the big No.2 for Ireland slid in to break the deadlock after 4 goalless minutes. Then the game was shocked into life as a bad tackle from the goalscorer saw his opposite number injured. To their credit, both players shook hands, but the incident sparked tension which bubbled under the surface for the rest of the game.
In the end it was Mexico's skillful No.5 who settled matters and who was heroic as Mexico battled through 2 minutes with just 10 men after a 'Blue Card' marked the low point in hostilities. The tricky midfielder first equalised in the first half, then made it 2-1 early in the second. He saved the best till last though; a sharp - and crucial - left foot drive which gave the Latin Americans a deserved victory.
Joel Dimmock