The FIFA U-17 World Championship Finland 2003 got a taste of tactical respect and a touch of technical brilliance when old Latin American rivals Colombia and Mexico fought to a 0-0 draw in Helsinki. The second match of Group B on the tournament’s opening day was a cultured affair full of quick counterattacks and cut-and-thrust football – a far more measured approach than tireless China and frenetic Finland earlier in the day.
A first half of half-chances
Golden opportunities were a rare commodity in the opening 45 minutes of football,
wholesale jerseys free shipping. And as the momentum swung back and forth like a pendulum, Mexico’s captain and creator Alberto Ramirez began to stamp a sizeable and steady authority on the match. Deftly alternating between displays of breathtaking ball control and steady command, the youngster proved he is a force to be reckoned with and a player to watch.
“For me he was the best player on the pitch today,
wholesale nfl jerseys,” commented Mexico’s Argentine-born boss Humberto Grondona,
cheap nfl jerseys from china. “Alberto plays very well on both sides of the ball, and that is why he is my captain.”
Despite limping off late in the match, Ramirez should be ready to go when Mexico take on hosts Finland on 16 August in a crucial Group A showdown.
“I took Alberto off because he was cramping badly,” said Grondona. “It is nothing serious and only the result of the natural strain of a hard game…I am not worried.”
Both sides had chances to grab the goal they needed in the late going, but it was not to be.
Harrison Morales missed a chance to put Colombia a goal to the good in the 51st minute after a mix-up in the box. And only minutes later CONCACAF qualifying tournament hero Rafael Murguia saw a great opportunity go begging when Colombian goalkeeper Libis Arenas sprawled to push his long-range effort safely past the far post.
Colombia went a man down in the 81st minute when Alberto Bolivar was unable to pull out of his tackle in time and was sent off without hesitation by match referee Hansson Martin for the third red card in the day’s four matches.
And in the dying minutes,
cheap soccer jerseys, the Mexicans looked like taking full advantage of their numerical superiority,
wholesale cheap jerseys. First Luis Robles forced Irinas into a brilliant near-post save in the 87th minute and then substitute Emilio Lopez could only watch helplessly as his full volley and potential match winner sailed wide of the exposed Colombian goal,
wholesale jerseys.
Grondona seemed content after the match. “Colombia is a very tough opponent and we have much respect for one another,” he admitted. “I am very happy with my team.”
In the end, a goalless stalemate was a fair result as the two old, familiar rivals were determined not to lose.
Colombia boss Eduardo Lara echoed his counterpart’s sentiments. “Everyone wants to win the match, we wanted to win the match,” he said,
wholesale jerseys from china. “But Mexico are a wonderful team and we are pleased with the result.
Related articles:
http://cheapjerseysbychina.weebly.com/ http://spectrumfinancial.85d.de/ http://2012hervelegerdresses.115.at/
Chat Sentinela
