The Young Three Lions dominated the Mexicans (2-1) and won the 46th Maurice Revello Tournament. This is the third trophy in a row for them. The Aztecs, who took the lead after two minutes only, lost the game.
They are unbeatable. Since three years, they always win. This year again, they leave France with a new trophy in their luggage. And they did not steal it. The Young Three Lions are efficient, mature and disciplined. This evening, on the pitch of Francis Turcan Stadium (Martigues), their experience outclassed the Mexican insouciance. However, it started perfectly for the Marco Ruiz boys. After only two minutes in the game, Eduardo Aguirre gets the ball back. On the left side, he passes it to Roberto Alvarado. The Necaxa player (MEX) fires a left-foot shot and sends it into the net with the help of the post (1-0, 2’). England face a difficult start to the game and continue to concede several opportunities. Mexico miss several chances to double the lead and will regret that.
Mexico knocked down
On a corner, the Mexico keeper Hernandez misses the ball. A mistake that benefited to Fry who scores the equalizer for England from close-range (1-1, 32’)
England are back on track and will take the lead few minutes later. Nketiah, with his speed, dribbles Jorge Sanchez. He sees Dowell in the box alone and finds him. The Everton midfielder keeps his calm to score the second goal of his side (1-2, 36’). An advantage that will last until the end of the game.
Diego Lainez and his teammates try to level the score but can’t find the solution against the English defense. Abraham is even close to kill the suspense but his shot crashed against the post. The job is done for England. Mexico can have regrets but this team is so promising for the future… Led by the best player of the tournament, Diego Lainez, the Mexicans have delighted the supporters throughout the tournament. Respect.
Jordan Bozonnet
Mexico - England : 1-2
Final
Stade Francis-Turcan, Martigues
Goals : Alvarado (2e) for Mexico; Fry (32e) and Dowell (36e) for England
Mexico : Hernandez – Sanchez (Govea 40e), Esquivel (Godinez 77e), Vargas, Arteaga – Antuna (Mascorro 40e), Cordova, Cervantes ©, Lainez – Alvarado (Macias 68e) – Aguirre
Coach : Marco Ruiz
England : Woodman – Kenny, Fry, Clarke-Salter – Dasilva, Cook©, Vieira (Choudhury 51e), Connolly (Tomori 80e) – Dowell – Nketiah (Armstrong 71e), Abraham (Nmecha 74e)
Coach : Aidy Boothroyd
Referees : M.Papadopoulos (GRE), M.Sipkas (GRE), M.Kampouris (GRE)