Mexico edge Swiss for crucial win

Mexico have scored an important 2-0 win over Switzerland to boost their hopes of progress to the quarter-finals at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Japan 2012. An even match was decided by goals at either end of the second half from Sofia Huerta and Olivia Jimenez, the latter a stunning strike from distance. There were chances at regular intervals throughout the contest with Switzerland failing to convert through Carmen Pulver and Cora Caneta, while Mexico did likewise, notably on two occasions through the lively Huerta. Almost immediately after the interval a long ball from defender Arianna Romero caught the Swiss defence flat-footed and Huerta was able to hold off a defender and shoot powerfully into the net. Switzerland enjoyed more of the possession and openings as the contest wore on but were unable to convert several chances, notably through Pulver who was denied by an excellent block from goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago. Swiss hopes, however, were killed off in injury time when substitute Jimenez laid claim to one of the goals of the tournament, with a powerful drive on the run from the best part of 35 metres.