Mexico Ties 1-1 with Italy, Both into World Cup Last 16

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, June 13, 2002

Mexico Ties 1-1 with Italy, Both into World Cup Last 16

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A shameful 1-1 draw between Mexico and Italy Thursday in Oita sent the two teams into the second round of the 2002 World Cup finals hand in hand, upsetting Croatia who fought to the end but lost 1-0 to Ecuador and crashed out.

The last four minutes of the Mexico-Italy match saw the Mexicans passed the ball among themselves like playing a game without any challenge from the Italians who all stood still and watched the Mexicans' performance.

Most fans in the stadium and before TVs could not believe this sheer humiliating scene emerged in a World Cup deciding match between two soccer powerhouses.

During this nervous but lackluster match, Mexico accidentally earned a 1-0 lead in the 35th minute over Italy who need a win to guarantee their group G survival in their last group match at the 2002 World Cup.

Mexico's forward Jared Borgetti headed a pass to the top-right corner of the goal in the 35th minute when Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon did not react, seeing the ball flying into the net.

Italy's striker Alessandro Del Piero, a substitute into the pitch late in the second half, darted into the box and headed a pass home in the 84th minute, lifting his side to a much-needed 1-1 draw for group survival. At that time, Ecuador was still 1-0 ahead of Croatia in another last round group G match. Croatia, whohad defeated Italy 2-1, must collect a win over Ecuador to advanceto the last 16, while Ecuador, who lost all the two matches before,need a 4-goal win to survive the group.

In 20th minute, Italy's striker Franceso Totti got a clear scoring chance in the box, but he drove the cross narrowly wide toward an almost open goal.

In the 54th minute, Italy's talented striker Vincenzo Montella,who often scored goals at critical moments for his club RS Rome inthe Italian League, substituted Filippo Inzaghi to strengthen his side's attacking power. But he received a yellow card for slappingon an opponent's face only one minute into the pitch. His offside goal later was also precisely whistled off. He also squandered a clear scoring chance in the 83rd by ballooning a shot in the box.

In the 57th minute, Mexico's midfielder Ramon Morales missed a chance to add a goal by firing a powerful long-range shot slightlyover the bar. In the 60th, Mexico's midfielder Joahan Rodriguez struck another long volley narrowly wide.

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