Mexico overcome referee gaffes to down Cameroon
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E-mail Xinhua, June 14, 2014
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Oribe Peralta the hero as Mexico edged Cameroon in a pulsating Group A game. |
A goal from Peralta awarded Mexico a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the first round of World Cup Group A match despite three goals from both sides occurred in the first half were all ruled offside here on Friday.
In a pouring rain day in the northeastern city of Natal, the wet pitch has made passing slick and increased the pace of the game early on. The tight first half saw two goals from Mexico and one goal from Cameroon disallowed by referee. But Mexico's continuous efforts were paid back when forward Peralta hit the target in the 61st minute.
With Croatia and hosts Brazil waiting at the next fixtures, both Mexico and Cameroon are definitely looking to start off on a good start.
Cameroon arrived in Brazil later than initially scheduled as players refused to travel following a row over bonus payments, but that has since been resolved, while Mexico's form is poor going into the first game against the Indomitable Lions as they lost their previous two warm-up matches without scoring a goal.
However Mexico had a better start by dominating the first ten minutes. In the 11th mintue, Mexico was awarded a free-kick near the box. Hector Herrera sent a delightful ball into the box to find Dos Santos before the No. 10 touched the ball home, but the linesman had his flag up.
Four minutes later, Eto'o sent in a cross that Choupo Moting finishes but just like on the other end, the play was ruled offside. In the 29th minute, Miguel Layun's corner is finished by Dos Santos but for the third time the goal has been disallowed.
Despite the driving rain both sides had great looks on goal and nearly found the opening goal on several occasions. The rain has let up a little bit for the second half. After a few exchanges between two sides, it's Mexico who took the chance.
In the 61st minute, Dos Santos saw his effort denied by Cameroon's goalkeeper Itandje, but the rebound was taken up by Peralta as he found the back of the net to put El Tri in front.
On 74th minutes, Peralta enjoy a stand ovation when he was substituted by Hernandez of Machester United.
Despite 0-1 down, the Indomitable Lions didn't go down without a fight. Their high pressure attack caused trouble for Mexico's backline in the final minutes. In injury time, a header from Cameroon's Moukandjo forced Mexico's goalkeeper Ochoa pull off a nice save.
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