The Mexicans hammered their Qataris opponents 4-1. The perfect start for Mexico, who sit on the first spot of the group A.
The levels difference was too high for Qatar. Where Mexicans were rigorous and well prepared, the Qataris have to improve and develop their way of playing. Despite their determination, the Asians' display was weaker than the Mexico's one. It's logically that the team from the Persian Gulf lost for its debuts.
Diego Lainez Leyva (Club América, MEX) and Carlos Antuna Romero (FC Groninguen, NED) men of the game
It is the 17 years-old Club América winger (Mexican League), Diego Lainez Leyva, sensational all along the game, who gave an early lead to his team after a wonderful team goal. During twenty minutes after this opener, Qatar attempted to defend and stop the Mexicans' attacking power.
Until the 34th minute and the second goal for "El Tri". Eduardo Aguirre, Tampico Madero player, netted thanks toa superb assist with a header by Gerardo Arteaga (2-0, 34'). Only two minutes after, Diego Lainez permitted to Aguirre to offer himself a brace (3-0, 36').
The half time arrived right on time for suffering Qataris. But the second half didn't allow them to come back in the game. Mexico added a fourth goal thanks to their playmaker Roberto Alvarado. The Cub Necaxa player (Mexican League) won his face to face with the goalkeeper and scored with his left foot (4-0, 53'). The last Qatar goal by Almurisi (80') did not change the scenario. If they face a weaker opponent, Mexico showed they are a serious candidate to clinch the title.
Jordan Bozonnet
Credits photo : Eric Estrade
Qatar – Mexico : 1-4
Game 1 – Group A
Stade De Lattre, Aubagne
Goals : Abdulla Amurisi (80') for Qatar / Diego Lainez Leyva (2'), Eduardo Aguirre (34', 36') et Roberto Alvarado (59') for Mexico.
Qatar : Ellethy Shehab, Ali Karami, Ahmed Suhail (Ellethy Bahaa, 45'), Youssef Ayman, Ahmed Homam (Ahmed Minhali, 45'), Abdullah Murisi, Khaled Mohammed, Abdollah Ali Saei (Adel Bader Musa, 45'), Nasser Abdulsalam, Hashim Ali, Yusuf Abdurisag (Hassan Ahmad, 65').
Coach : Bruno Pinheiro
Mexico : José Hernandez, Ismael Govea (Francisco Cordova, 45'), César Montes, Carlos Vargas, Gerardo Arteaga, Diego Lainez (José Macias, 45'), Jonathan Gonzalez (Jorge Sanchez, 45'), Alan Cervantes, Uriel Antuna, Roberto Alvarado, Eduardo Aguirre (Hector Mascorro, 45').
Coach : Marco Antonio Ruiz Garcia