Mexico (11) v (2) Romania
Mexico has walked away with The Big Issue Host Cup at the 2008 Homeless World Cup after they defeated Romania 11-2 on the final day of competition.
Mexico (11) v (2) Romania
By Sebastian James
MEXICO has walked away with The Big Issue Host Cup at the 2008 Homeless World Cup after they defeated Romania 11-2 on the final day of competition.
The Big Issue Host Cup is fought out between the teams ranked from 25th to 32nd, which is determined by results in the group stages.
The Mexicans started on the front foot and were ahead thanks to a goal put away by Juan Segura after a free kick was given against Romania for a sliding tackle.
Pavel Calencea and Daniel Podina tried to find a way through the resolute Mexican defence but through a combination of poor shooting and great goalkeeping from the Mexican goalkeeper, Nestor Valencia, Romania failed to find the back of the net.
Romania were made to pay for their inability to convert any of their chances when Segura had his second for the match. Winning the ball inside his own half, he had enough space and composure to beat one defender and slot a side-footed shot under the goalkeeper.
Valencia came to the Mexicans’ rescue once more, with a double save that prevented Romania from scoring their first goal of the match.
The wastefulness in front of goals continued for Romania. Having only Valencia to beat, Paul could only cannon a shot off the crossbar.
Mexico piled on more misery for the Romanians before the end of the second half after a pass back into the centre to Jose Torres caught the goalkeeper off guard and allowed him a simple pass into goal. A superb turn and shot from Segura that beat Beni in goals finished off a superb half for Mexico, giving them a 4-0 lead.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first, two quick goals to Segura blowing Mexico's lead out to six goals.
Romania were able to stage a mini fightback, with Radu Muntean scoring when his shot rebounded off the wall then the goalkeeper to roll into the goal. A penalty was then given against Mexico and converted by Romania after Valencia had left his goal area.
However, that was the end of any resistance Romania showed against the Central Americans, allowing in a further five goals and even missing a penalty.
The final goals were shared around by Mexico with Juan Contreras, Segua and Torres all scoring in the dying moments.
After the match Mexico's coach wasn't focused on winning The Big Issue Host Cup so much as the experience the men under his command had gained on their trip to Melbourne.
"The tournament has been fantastic,” he said. “Just the opportunity for the boys to take centre stage has been a great experience for them."