Players of Mexico lift coach Jaime Lozano to celebrate beating 3-1 Japan in the men's bronze medal soccer match at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)
The Associated Press
SAITAMA, Japan (AP) - Sebastian Córdova opened the scoring and added two assists to lead Mexico to a 3-1 victory over host Japan in the bronze medal match in Olympic men's soccer on Friday.
It is only the second time Mexico has won an Olympic soccer medal, adding to the gold from the 2012 London Games.
The opener came after Japan midfielder Wataru Endo fouled Ernesto Vega to concede a penalty that Córdova converted in the 13th minute.
Jorge Sanchez headed Córdova's free kick into the net in the 22nd. Alexis Vega headed in Córdova's corner in the 58th.
Japan scored on Kaoru Mitoma's powerful strike in the 78th, but it was too late to mount a comeback.
Mexico celebrated by throwing coach Jaime Lozano in the air in Saitama, Japan.
The gold medal match on Saturday is between defending champion Brazil and Spain.
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Mexico's Sebastian Cordova celebrates scoring the opening goal against Japan during the men's bronze medal soccer match at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The Associated Press
Mexico's Sebastian Cordova scores from the penalty spot the opening goal in the men's bronze medal soccer match against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
The Associated Press
Players of Mexico throw coach Jaime Lozano to celebrate beating 3-1 Japan in the men's bronze medal soccer match at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
The Associated Press
Mexico's Luis Romo, above, talks to Japan's Takefusa Kubo at the end of the men's bronze medal soccer match at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. Mexico won 3-1. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The Associated Press