Mexico reach CONCACAF U-17 Final after crushing Costa Rica

Mexico went back to their high scoring ways as they scored six goals to defeat Costa Rica and get to the CONCACAF U-17 Championship Final against the United States. Mexico was the better team for 90 minutes and were able to get the three points in a game they needed to win.

Mexico took and early lead inside two minutes but Costa Rica tied two minutes later. El Tri were then able to come back to take the lead and continue to increase it until they would score half a dozen.

Mexico came in at a disadvantage against Costa Rica as they could only get to a final with a victory, and they were also coming in with only one day rest. They, however, had an incredible start when two minutes in, Luis Olivas headed in a corner kick to open the scoring.

But Olivas quickly went from hero to villain after Josue Abarca went past him to tie the score just two minutes after. Costa Rica was galvanized by the score and this was the only time the game looked even, with Mexico's defense suffering from their own mistakes, including another mistake by Olivas.

Still, Roberto de la Rosa was wide open after a low cross and was able to score the 2-1. With Costa Rica needing to score, they move up their play and Mexico was able to take advantage of this. After a great counter attack, Daniel Lopez was able to score from close range for the 3-1.

Mexico started to control the game and their big movement was starting to tire Costa Rica. A good play by Torres forced the Costa Rican defense to foul him and a penalty kick was called. Olivas took a great penalty kick and was able to put the score at 4-1,heading into the break.

The second half continued with good attacks from Costa Rica, but five minutes in, Torres made his best play when he was able to make an auto pass and then bounce the ball off the keeper, only for Daniel Lopez to head it in off the rebound for his second goal of the game and sixth of the tournament.

The goal seemed to take the wind out of Costa Rica's sails and Mexico's dominance became more pronounced. Mexico's coach then took the luxury of subbing out players like Olivas and Torres for the final when finally, off a free kick, Raul Sandoval was able to head in the last goal for a 6-1 win.

Mexico and the United States are deservedly in the final as they are clearly the two best teams in the tournament. The U.S. had an easier group and were able to get to the final without much trouble. They also already defeated Mexico and looked to be tactically better prepared than El Tri. That said, Mexico did give them their hardest game and were even at halftime. If Arteaga prepares his team better (especially at half time, where Mexico didn't come out as prepared as the US) they have the talent to compete, although the defensive woes shown today could be worrisome for Mexico's chances. Mexico will have to improve from last Wednesday to come out on top and conquer a third straight CONCACAF U-17 title.