Northern Ireland undone by 10-man Mexican side

The Elite Section of the Milk Cup ended in heartache for Northern Ireland as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Mexico.
©Russell Pritchard  2nd August 2013
The 2013 Northern Ireland Milk Cup International Youth Football Tournament 
ELITE SECTION Final between Northern Ireland and Mexico at Ballymena Showgrounds.
©Russell Pritchard / Presseye©Russell Pritchard  2nd August 2013
The 2013 Northern Ireland Milk Cup International Youth Football Tournament 
ELITE SECTION Final between Northern Ireland and Mexico at Ballymena Showgrounds.
©Russell Pritchard / Presseye
©Russell Pritchard 2nd August 2013 The 2013 Northern Ireland Milk Cup International Youth Football Tournament ELITE SECTION Final between Northern Ireland and Mexico at Ballymena Showgrounds. ©Russell Pritchard / Presseye

The hosts were two points clear of their opponents going into the game, meaning Stephen Robinson’s boys needed just a point to claim the title.

However, they fell behind to Kevin Gutierrez’s fine first half free-kick and despite levelling from the penalty spot their defeat was confirmed by Mexico substitute Hirving Lozano.

All this despite the visitors having to play the final 25 minutes with just 10 men.

Tempers flared in the 67th minute after a foul on substitute Rodriguez on the halfway line. It led to ugly scenes among the players and when referee Tim Marshall and his assistants restored order he produced a red card for Mexico defender Rodrigo Gonzalez and a caution for home goalscorer McGeehan.

It left the game with an edge and a number of niggly fouls were exchanged.

Despite the disadvantage Mexico restored their lead with 18 minutes left as substitute Hirving Lozano nipped in ahead of his marker to flick the ball home on the volley.

The home side began to tire as they chased the equaliser and Cliftonville striker Jonathan McMurray was the only man in the Northern Ireland set-up who threatened a second goal when he shot over from 25 yards.