The determined Mexicans came from a goal down to beat a spirited Japan at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday.
Mexico advanced to the final of the men's Olympic soccer tournament after coming from behind to defeat Japan 3-1 in a highly-attractive contest.
Japan went ahead in the 12th minute when Yuki Otsu spectacularly blasted the ball past Mexico goalkeeper Jose Corona from the top of the penalty box.
But Marco Fabian drew Mexico level in the 31st minute, when he connected to a corner-kick with a fine header from six yards out.
The Mexicans took full command of the game in the second period, and took the lead in the 65th minute when Oribe Peralta rifled the ball into the back of the net from distance, after a foolish mistake from young Japanese midfielder Takahiro Ohgiharan.
Mexico, who needed extra-time to see-off Senegal in the quarter-finals, continued to look the more dangerous of the two teams as the half progressed, and created a couple of decent opportunities to put the result beyond their rivals.
Javier Cortes finally sealed Mexico the victory deep into second half injury-time, when he cut into the box and fired the ball between the legs of Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda.
Mexico will go on to face Brazil in the final of the Olympic Games soccer competition on Saturday.
Japan went ahead in the 12th minute when Yuki Otsu spectacularly blasted the ball past Mexico goalkeeper Jose Corona from the top of the penalty box.
But Marco Fabian drew Mexico level in the 31st minute, when he connected to a corner-kick with a fine header from six yards out.
The Mexicans took full command of the game in the second period, and took the lead in the 65th minute when Oribe Peralta rifled the ball into the back of the net from distance, after a foolish mistake from young Japanese midfielder Takahiro Ohgiharan.
Mexico, who needed extra-time to see-off Senegal in the quarter-finals, continued to look the more dangerous of the two teams as the half progressed, and created a couple of decent opportunities to put the result beyond their rivals.
Javier Cortes finally sealed Mexico the victory deep into second half injury-time, when he cut into the box and fired the ball between the legs of Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda.
Mexico will go on to face Brazil in the final of the Olympic Games soccer competition on Saturday.
